Blind pensioner refused service at restaurant as eye dog denied entry

A blind pensioner was refused service in a vulgar display of discrimination against his seeing eye dog.

Les Wisack was refused entry into a Melbourne restaurant due to the company’s ‘no animal’ policy. 

‘It was humiliating,’ he told 7News. 

Legally blind, Wisack relies on his beloved companion Hughey to be his eyes and ears, but was told he must enter the restaurant alone if he wished to dine there.

‘They said you can tie him up out the front but he’s not to come in.’ 

Two and a half year old Hughey is constantly at Mr Wisack’s side, and the idea of having to enter the restaurant alone was preposterous. 

Mr Wisack went on to say that he tried to inform the staff of his condition, but they were unwilling to assist. 

Legally blind, Weesack relies on his beloved companion Hughey (pictured) to be his eyes and ears, but was told he must enter the restaurant alone if he wished to dine there

When refused again, Mr Wisack had no choice but to find an alternate dining spot, and had to walk the Melbourne strip in a downpour of rain to find a suitable restaurant. 

It is illegal for a restaurant or venue to refuse entry to a guide dog. 

According to the Guide Dogs official page, the only places that Guide Dogs are not allowed to enter are the operating theatre, Burns Unit or Intensive Care Unit of a hospital and the zoo. 

However, this restaurant are adamant they were not aware of the laws.  

Weesack’s opinion is that ‘they didn’t want to understand they were breaking the law.’   

Karen Hayes from Guide Dogs Australia are under no circumstances pets, nor do they deserve to be treated as such.

She went on to say these animals are crucial to the independence and safety of individuals suffering from a vision impairment.  

Vision Australia have also been contacted for comment regarding Les Wisack’s harrowing ordeal.     

The restaurant in question are adamant they were not aware of the laws preventing the refusal of entry to guide dogs