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Permalink Reply by Alan Line on October 21, 2015 at 13:15

Laurence - but will this policy be applied? We have a couple of residents who parade their dogs around Golden Lane, and have done so for a number of years, claiming that they have some "special arrangement" etc.

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Permalink Reply by Maria Elizabeth Prior on October 21, 2015 at 15:02

Alan, I have had a total of 3 dogs for about 20 years now.  I have mine for psychological medical reasons.  The COL took me to court 20 years ago, for 'breach of tenancy', over this, but I won a court judgement, and was allowed by that court to continue to have my dog.  Any 'special arrangements' would not be because of the COL, but what a court considered fair and reasonable.  

I understand the current new approved policy only permits dogs for those who are physically disabled, and not psychologically disabled, yet under the Equality Act, all disabilities must be treated equally.  Therefore, I am of the opinion that the COL has broken the Equality Law by their stance.  I can assure you I do not 'parade' my dog.  She lives here, with me and my partner, and is well loved by many people.  

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Permalink Reply by Alan Line on October 21, 2015 at 18:41

Hi Maria, you might be right about the City's policy but if you follow relevant case law from the Equality Act and the DDA you'll find that to be covered in this situation a Senior Clinical Psychiatrist would need to determine that you have a mental illness that leaves you unable to function normally on a day-to-day basis (care for yourself, communicate with others or leave home) and THEN determine that having a dog would be a reasonable adjustment that somehow allows you to limit these disabilities - that's before a Court would even look at your case?
Mental illness is, unfortunately, the Cinderella of our health services.

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Permalink Reply by Maria Elizabeth Prior on October 21, 2015 at 20:02

Yes, I know Alan. I fully understand how it works. That's what happened with me.  I had my GP, psychologist, and several psychiatrists, during my lengthy spell in hospital, followed by the same team out of hospital, including a couple of Senior Psychologists, who diagnosed my illness.  The COL ignored all their advice, and it was only a judge that listened to the medical evidence and ruled in my favour.  

That was 20 years ago, and since then rights of people with disabilities has improved.  The Equality Act clearly states that all disabilities, be they physical or psychological, must be treated equally, when any 'service' is provided.  This is also where the term 'reasonable adjustments' comes into it.  The Equality Commission are clear in that.  That's why I know this policy is unfair.  

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