Service animal users face barriers in public spaces, report finds

Manitobans who rely on service animals say they still encounter barriers when it comes to bringing them to public spaces such as schools, stores and restaurants.

A report issued this week by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission found there is continued confusion at restaurants, hotels and even schools over service animals and the people they are trained to help.

"When it comes to the role of service dogs, it has rapidly expanded over the last several years," Yvonne Peters, chairperson of the Manitoba Human Rights Board of Commissioners, told CBC News on Friday.

"This is something that business owners don't have enough information about what kinds of service dogs are out there."

Peters, who is blind and works with a service dog named Hope, said service animals are being relied on more and more to help people with a wide range of disabilities, not just visual or hearing disabilities.

"I think especially where there's confusion is with people who have non-visible disabilities, like post-traumatic stress disorder, perhaps mental health issues," she said.

Among those who rely on service dogs in Manitobais Tracey Drexler's son, Braydon, who has had an autism assistance dog named Keates for just over two years.

"They tether together and Keates stops Braydon from taking off or bolting," Drexler explained.

"He also has a calming effect on Braydon, so he's able to keep him calm and so he can focus on the task at hand."

Drexler said they have been stopped by people when entering stores, so she carries an identification card that says Keates is supposed to be with Braydon at all times.

However, she said she still encounters some common misconceptions.

"I was taking Keates out on a training exercise and I parked at Walmart and brought him in, and someone asked me how I drive if I'm blind," she said.

Drexler said she wants more information about service animals available so the public knows they are not just pets.

The commission's report was based on public consultations in Winnipeg and Brandon in September and October of 2014.

A number of industry groups, including the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the Manitoba Hotel Association and the Professional Property Managers Association, say they support the report.

• ON MOBILE? Read the Service Animal Public Consultation Report here.