Disabled man refused taxi service due to assistance dog

Mr Jones said that his mental health assistance dog had "saved his life"

A disabled man who had collapsed from exhaustion says he was refused taxi services because of his assistance dog.

Edward Jones, 46, is registered disabled due to a long-term chronic illness which affects his mobility.

On two occasions, he was ignored by "at least eight taxis" outside Chippenham Railway Station because of his dog.

Wiltshire Council said it was illegal for taxis to refuse to carry assistance dogs and the incident was being investigated.

Mr Jones described the events as "devastating and humiliating" as he was unable to get up from the pavement.

On 27 November,he was leaving Chippenham railway station when he collapsed on his way to the taxi rank due to severe fatigue.

In pain and unable to move, he began calling to nearby taxis and waving his walking stick in the air for help.

Mr Jones said the drivers refused to take him because of his dog - a two-year-old Teacup Shih Tzu named George - who helps him with his mental health.

Great Western Railway said it was "disappointed" to hear of Mr Jones’ experience at the station

"The only thing that stops me breaking is being with my boy and getting out in fresh air," Mr Jones explained.

"He's saved my life, because he makes me get out every day."

According to the Equality Act 2010, taxis are obliged to carry guide dogs and other assistance dogs, unless they have a medical exemption certificate.

Despite this, Mr Jones waited on the ground for what "felt like well over half an hour", suffering pain in his legs which he described as a "burning from the inside out".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, three members of the public attempted to intervene and reason with the taxi drivers, but were unsuccessful.

"I was bawling because I was so tired. I honestly thought I'm not going to be able to get home," he said.

Mr Jones' dog is a two-year-old Teacup Shih Tzu breed

Mr Jones has since been too worried to attempt similar journeys and describes feeling trapped and isolated in a new town.

He said: "For a human being to scoff and laugh at a disabled person and say, 'we don't have to take you anywhere', especially when they are collapsed on the floor. I can't be the only one."

Councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport at Wiltshire Council, said: "We are sorry to hear about this incident.

"Our taxi policy is clear that guide dogs and assistance dogs must be carried, and it is illegal to refuse to do so.

"We take this matter very seriously and are investigating this specific complaint."

Great Western Railway said it was "disappointed" to hear of Mr Jones' experience.

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