MJ Land, 19, who has a chronic pain disorder, got a specially trained assistance dog, a Labrador, Rex, in September 2023, to help with their mobility and mental health
A student said they feel “discriminated” against after being “constantly refused” from shops and “denied education” for having an assistance dog.
MJ Land, 19, suffers from a chronic pain disorder and found a lifeline in their specially-trained Labrador, Rex, who they got in September 2023 to aid with mobility and mental health. MJ said Rex has been a huge support physically and mentally and has given them the confidence to go out alone.
However, since Rex’s arrival, MJ claims they’ve faced barriers, including being turned away from various shops and cafes, and even having to stop attending college because the institution “won’t allow” Rex on the premises. The struggle also extends to employment, with MJ attributing job rejections to the presence of their assistance dog.
Speaking about the impact Rex has had on their life, MJ, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, said: “Rex helps me both mentally and physically.” They explained the positive effects of walking Rex twice daily on their physical wellbeing and the mental boost that comes from the confidence to go out independently.
But it’s not all smooth sailing, as MJ points out: “Unfortunately, having Rex comes with its criticism – whenever we go into a shop they will ask us for paperwork.” Despite explaining that Rex’s harness indicates his status as an assistance dog, they often face denial of entry.
MJ also highlighted a shared experience with their sister, who also has an assistance dog, saying: “My sister also has an assistance dog and we have been thrown out of numerous places as people don’t believe us.” Diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder in March 2021, MJ was advised by their occupational therapist to get an assistance dog, leading to the partnership with Rex.
They said: “My family looked into places where I could get an assistance dog after it was suggested I should get one. At the time, my dad, Michael, wanted me to get one too as he wanted me to be more independent.” After a lot of searching, I was matched with Rex.”
MJ has been accompanied by Rex for over a year and recounted their experiences of varying degrees of discrimination. They expressed their frustration, saying: “It makes me feel incredibly angry – it is like telling something they can’t do something because they are in a wheelchair.
“The reason assistance dogs exist is because we need them. I think there is a huge lack of education.” Since teaming up with Rex, MJ reveals they’ve applied for over 60 jobs, landed five interviews but have yet to secure a position.
They believe that once potential employers learn about the need for an assistance dog, job opportunities vanish. MJ explained: “I have been searching for a job for months, I have had a few interviews but I don’t get the job as soon as they find out that I have a working dog.
“I have applied for 60 jobs but they will say no when they find out about Rex.” I am angry, so many people want me to get work experience but how do I get the experience if nobody is hiring me.”
Despite encountering significant discrimination, MJ mentioned that there have been instances of kindness when visiting venues with Rex. They said: “Whenever we go to the EFL, they have been absolutely wonderful. I am a big football fan, there is a lot of discrimination in sport but the fact they are so wonderful with me is amazing.”
“Steven Graham at Norwich City makes sure Rex has water, we go through a separate entrance so Rex doesn’t get trampled on and they give us a parking space. The way they are so accessible is so wonderful to me.”
Suzy Gallagher, Principal at Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus, commented: “We’re committed to providing the best support and care to all of our students, which involves making reasonable adjustments, where possible, to ensure everyone is treated fairly and equitably. In the interest of safeguarding, students joining us with an assistance or emotional support dog are required to follow our robust policy and process. This includes providing the relevant documentation to ensure that we are fulfilling our legal responsibility as an organisation in maintaining optimum animal welfare as well as the safety of our wider campus population.”
“In this instance, MJ’s application for their dog, Rex, was submitted to our animal welfare and ethics panel who carefully reviewed this and concluded that there was insufficient paperwork to demonstrate that Rex is authorised to work. We have sent MJ the details of what we require as set out in our animal welfare policy, and if received, we would be happy to reconsider their application for a support animal on campus.”
