A blind woman has been told she cannot take part in a scheme which involves bringing dogs to visit patients in institutions, because of her disability.
Dublin woman Ms Áine Wellard is considering taking legal action against the voluntary group in question.
Peata (which is Irish for pets) promotes pet-facilitated therapy in hospitals, hospices and other care facilities. Research has shown that pets can have a beneficial effect on patients by lifting their spirits.
The group assesses dogs and their owners to see if they are suitable to take part in the scheme. Yesterday it said it could not comment on individual cases, but stressed that certain standards must be met by volunteers and their dogs before they are accepted for the scheme.
Ms Wellard and her dog Muffin were assessed for the scheme in November. She was told that while her dog was "100 per cent suitable", she would not be able to accompany him without having a sighted person with her as she might endanger herself or others.
Ms Wellard said: "If this happened 20 years ago, I would have been really angry but would probably have accepted it, but now we have the Equal Status Act. I just wonder what effect the Equal Status Act has, when it is being flouted like this. I was made to feel that I was mentally and psychologically inferior."
While the assessor had pointed to the dangers associated with a busy hospital scenario, Ms Wellard said she knew of several visually impaired social workers and physiotherapists whose work brought them into hospitals and other institutions.
"I am not helpless, vulnerable or weak but their decision is subscribing to that stereotype," she said. It was hypocritical, she said, as the patients being visited were people with disabilities and illnesses, yet people with disabilities were excluded from volunteering.
Ms Wellard said the group's stance was contrary to the Equal Status Act, which applies to voluntary, as well as commercial, service providers. She said she had waited for an apology since the assessment in November. Now she was considering taking the case further.
She is a trained counsellor who specialises in helping pet owners to deal with problems relating to pet ownership. With her guide dogs, she has travelled the State and does not believe her visual impairment should be a barrier.
"I was told I might fall over a wheelchair or an Alzheimer's patient might hit me. But I have done far more dangerous things than walking into a nursing home," she said.
After the assessment, a Peata member told her she could accompany her on a hospital visit. Yesterday, Ms Wellard said she didn't know if this offer still stood. A Peata spokesman said he knew nothing about this.
The chairman of Peata, Mr John Bainbridge said he was aware of Ms Wellard's case and it was very sensitive but he was not in a position to comment on individual assessments.
Every dog and owner team was assessed for suitability, he said. "Dogs must be welcoming towards people, have a gentle and warm disposition and be unconcerned with hospital like environments and situations.
"Owners must be able to identify and respond to changes in the patients and in the environment. They must demonstrate full control of their dogs in all these situations."
