Veteran's Charity Walk Hits Roadblock: Police Called Over Assistance Dog at SA Pub
Share
An army veteran undertaking a walk around Australia for charity encountered a significant hurdle when police were called to a regional South Australian pub over his accredited assistance dog, Max. Garth Murray, who lives with severe anxiety stemming from his 15 years in the Australian Defence Force, was attempting to stay at a hotel and enjoy a drink when the incident occurred.
Key Takeaways
- An army veteran and his assistance dog were involved in a police call-out at a South Australian pub.
- The incident highlights ongoing issues with public access for accredited assistance animals.
- Lack of uniform national accreditation standards contributes to confusion and discrimination.
Discrimination Encountered
Mr Murray, who began his walk in 2024 from Queensland, has generally experienced few issues but has sometimes faced "covert" discrimination. To circumvent potential problems, he would often leave Max outside while securing accommodation, to prevent businesses from falsely claiming no vacancies or offering inferior rooms. However, during his recent stop in South Australia, he opted for a hotel stay.
Upon checking in and settling his belongings, Mr Murray took Max to the front bar for a beer. He alleges the pub owner initially stated Max could only remain until other patrons arrived and that he would have to eat in the bar area, not the dining room. When Mr Murray cited his rights under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the publican reportedly poured out his beer and asked him to leave.
Police Intervention and DDA Rights
Mr Murray refused to leave, reiterating that denying access to someone with an accredited assistance dog is illegal. The publican then threatened to call the police. When officers arrived, they reviewed Mr Murray's accreditation paperwork and confirmed that he and Max were permitted to be on the premises. Mr Murray commended the police for their professionalism but expressed sadness over the incident.
The Challenge of Assistance Animal Accreditation
The incident underscores the complexities surrounding assistance animal access in Australia. While the DDA prohibits denying public access to individuals with accredited assistance dogs, there is no national accreditation body or standard. Each state and territory determines which organisations can provide accreditation and which interstate accreditations are recognised, leading to a fragmented system.
A federal government spokesperson noted that even without state or territory accreditation, an assistance animal might still be protected under the DDA. An international study revealed that a significant percentage of Australian respondents had faced access refusals, leading to emotional distress and a tendency to avoid public places.
Calls for National Standards
Industry bodies acknowledge the issue. Stephen Ferguson, chief executive of the Australian Hotels Association, stated that balancing hygiene and safety standards with disability discrimination laws is challenging. He pointed out that some individuals attempt to bring non-accredited animals into venues, sometimes misrepresenting them with vests. The lack of uniform rules across states makes consistent advice difficult.
Advocates, including Tim Taylor, CEO of Assistance Dogs Australia, are calling for uniform federal laws. He believes a national framework for training standards and a national register would provide clarity for states to align, combat substandard training, and ensure animal welfare. This would also prevent the undermining of public confidence when non-accredited animals are presented as assistance animals.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has indicated that the government is developing "national principles" to enhance consistency across states and territories.
Despite the negative experience, Mr Murray remains positive about his journey, having met many understanding people. He is determined not to let this incident overshadow his walk or his fight for his rights.