ADUK was delighted to join colleagues from ADI – Assistance Dogs International/ADEu and the Assistance Dog Assessment Association for an APDAWG hosted event in the Houses of Parliament.

Together, we spoke with MPs and service providers about the reality of access refusals and the failings of the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (NI). While the law gives disabled people the right to access public spaces with their assistance dogs, the reality is very different — research from ADI and the International Guide Dog Federation found that 79% of UK partnerships experienced an access refusal in 2024.

Our amazing members shared their experiences directly with those who can make change happen. Later, members of the public joined us to hear powerful personal stories from our panel – including Steve Darling MP – about the life-changing role of assistance dogs and the isolation and humiliation caused when access is denied.

Our calls to action:
1️⃣ Strengthen the definition of assistance dogs in law.
2️⃣ Legislate clear training and welfare standards.
3️⃣ Promote greater education and accountability for service providers.

ADUK looks forward to more successful meetings like this to gather support from policy makers and push for meaningful change for assistance dog partnerships across the UK.

https://www.assistancedogs.org.uk
https://www.theadaa.org
https://assistancedogsinternational.org