Don’t part Paddy and Derek, urges MP Helen Grant
Call to rethink decision to remove guide dog
MP Helen Grant is calling for a leading charity to rethink its decision to remove a guide dog from a deafblind man from Allington.
The KM exclusively revealed last week how Guide Dogs for the Blind is to separate 82-yearold Derek Beal from his canine companion Paddy because the golden retriever is overweight.
Following the suicide of John Chadwick, an animal lover forced to give up his pet to move into temporary accommodation, the parliamentarian for Maidstone and the Weald is worried about Mr Beal’s welfare should Paddy be removed.
Mrs Grant said: “I was contacted by Derek last week and am very concerned about the impact Paddy’s removal could have upon his quality of life.
“Paddy not only provides Derek with crucial assistance in navigating his way around Allington but he also offers all important companionship.
“Whilst the facts in Derek’s situation are very different, the latter point was tragically illustrated by the death of my constituent John Chadwick.
“He tragically took his own life after having to relinquish his pet dog under housing association rules. In a recent review of that case the local authority have recognised the importance of pet companionship and have now amended the rules.
“I have therefore written to Tom Wright CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind and asked him to provide urgent clarification on the reasons for this decision and to consider what solutions can be put in place to ensure that Derek continues to receive any support he requires.”
Mr Beal, who suffers from the rare genetic disorder Usher Syndrome, said: “I think it’s very commendable that she [Mrs Grant] is getting involved. The charity have contacted me and they want to talk about providing some alternative services, but they have not committed to giving me a replacement dog. He is my eyes.”
A spokesperson from Guide Dogs said: “We recently made the very difficult decision to temporarily remove a guide dog from its owner
“We understand how hard this is for the owner.
“Please be reassured we have gone through a long process before taking this decision after exhausting all other options.
“Unfortunately, we cannot give any more details for reasons of client confidentiality, but we are still trying to work with the guide dog owner to support him with other services which we and other organisations provide to help him during this challenging time.”