Catty Corners

 An American expression, meaning 'diagonally opposite' [from a misunderstanding of the French quatre coins = four corners] It appears that there is going to be a case coming to the courts regarding supermarket access, with Sainsburys taking the opposite position to a cat.

Here is Chloe, with her owner Ian. Ian was recently diagnosed with autism, and Chloe's presence helps him stay calm. However he was  refused entry to his local store - Guide Dogs are allowed, but not cats. Sainsburys say "While Chloe may be well-behaved, if it altered its general policy it could present a risk of other more unruly cats causing havoc - and it would have no way of assessing an animal's behaviour or training."

It is hoped that this court case will clarify the UK law regarding "Emotional Support Animals". This is a hot topic worldwide. In America in 2018 there was much discussion of an 'emotional support peacock' called Dexter being barred from taking a United Airlines Flight with its nervous owner. In Australia, things seem to be a little clearer about the rights of such creatures.

I honestly do not know what I think. I fully appreciate this gentleman has major anxiety issues, and that Chloe is good for supporting him through that. As a teacher, I have sat through many school visits by representatives from "Pets as Therapy" who are a well established UK charity providing such support. I am aware that the mental health of the nation in general has suffered in the past two years. I have worked with teenagers at the Autism Unit in Leicestershire, and recognise their genuine special needs.

But I have also worked with children who suffer from asthma. I know that one in eight of the UK population suffers from some form of asthma- and half of them will have allergic asthma. If one of these people has any contact with cats, cat hair or cat dander, then there is a 1 in 4 likelihood of an extreme reaction.  Would I feel comfortable with my asthmatic child in a buggy or supermarket trolley if Ian is next to me, bending down to reach a can of beans from the shelf  - with Chloe in his backpack? 

The Guide Dogs Association puts all its animals through incredibly stringent preparation, PAT stress that all their animals are "temperament-assessed" before they are allowed to 'go to work'. Ian says that Chloe is trained, and always wears an 'assistance animal' jacket when she accompanies him to shops, on public transport, and into restaurants etc. 

Equality legislation currently makes it unlawful to refuse entry on the grounds of race, religion, sex or sexual orientation and disability amongst other things. Discrimination arising from disability is when someone is treated unfairly because of something connected to the disability rather than the disability itself [eg refusing to allow a person in the store if their guide dog is with them] But food shops must also [rightly] abide by stringent hygiene standards, and have a duty of care towards all their customers.

I don't know the answer here - what do you think?