Eurostar bans guide dog

A BLIND man who's guide dog was refused permission to travel on a Eurostar train has collected more than 1,000 signatures calling for a change in policy.

Colin Davies, 57, of Southview Road, Peacehaven, tried to travel on the Channel Tunnel train to France earlier this year with his four-year-old dog, Robbie.

But he was astounded when he was told he could not take him on board because Eurostar did not have the facilities to care for an animal in the event it was not allowed through customs in France.

He said: 'I was amazed. I used work in London and would travel on public transport all over with Robbie. I have travelled with most train operators in the country and have never have any problems.'

Mr Davies had made sure Robbie had a pet passport, anti-rabies jabs and was even fitted with the latest hi-tech information micro-chips for dogs. Eurostar seemed the best option as he was unable to return by ferry to Newhaven as the pet passport scheme was not in operation there. The other alternatives were to sail from Dover or fly.

But Mr Davies could not bear to subject Robbie to being locked in with the freight on a flight. He said: 'Putting him the hold of a plane with all the noise would be cruel.'

Peacehaven's MP Des Turner is backing Mr Davies's campaign. He said: 'Travelling abroad is something that many of us take for granted and it is a great pity that barriers should still exist that preclude some people because of their disability. The situation needs to be addressed urgently.'

The MP said he hoped more ports would soon be able to accommodate people with dogs.

'I was delighted when Passports for Pets was introduced especially as under inflexible quarantine regulations there was, in effect, discrimination against people who have seeing or hearing dogs. So far the passport system is only trailed at a few ports. I do feel now is the time to extend it, especially where it is causing unintentional discrimination, as in this case.'

A spokesman for Eurostar said its policy for allowing guide dogs on trains was under review.