Refusing guide dog ‘gutless’: NSW minister

NSW Disability Services Minister Andrew Constance has described a motel’s refusal to allow entry to a blind man, his guide dog and family as “gutless”.

He also warned businesses they face a $880 fine for such discrimination.

Jason Merkley, his wife and 14-month-old daughter were turned away from a motel on the Central Coast over Easter, with the owner of The Entrance business telling him his guide dog Whiskey wasn’t allowed inside, News Ltd has reported.

Mr Constance said under the NSW Companion Animal Act such discrimination was illegal and could attract a fine of $880.

“It’s a gutless act to refuse entry to a guide dog or a guide dog user into a venue,” Mr Constance told reporters in Sydney.

“The Companion Animal Act makes it very clear that should you do the wrong thing, you risk being fined.

“I hope that business owner has a long hard look in the mirror, because what they’ve done is discriminate against a person with a disability.”

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