Sign up to our free newsletter for the top North Wales stories sent straight to your e-mail Sign up now! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A business owner who asked a blind man and his guide dog to leave his shop has defended his decision, claiming that dogs “do dreadful things” and he and his customers are “extremely offended” by them.

Andy Terry, who has been registered blind for 16 years, says he was asked by Fairbourne Mini Mart owner Robert North to get out of the store as dogs were not allowed.

The 62-year-old, from Stoke-on-Trent, was visiting his sister in the area last week and had entered the shop on Beach Road to escape the wind and rain with his dog Flame.

He says he was approached by Mr North within minutes and told to leave.

“He told me that there was a sign on the door saying no dogs were allowed in his shop, which I found very strange as I’d actually been in two days prior with no problems,” said Mr Terry.

“I informed him that my dog was a guide dog as I am registered blind, but he didn’t care and he insisted that we leave.

“I made it clear that he was discriminating against me, and explained that I am legally entitled to go anywhere that is open to the public with my dog.

“I rely heavily on my dog to get me places safely, so I take it very personally when someone is offensive towards her.

(Image: Google)

“I can’t believe he was acting this way. I’ve never come across this before.

“She was wearing her harness and was acting as a working dog at the time.”

Mr Terry has X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, a degenerative disorder which affects the retina and impairs the sharpness of vision in both eyes.

He has lost 95% of his vision and was officially registered blind in 2001.

Mr North told the Daily Post: “He had no right coming in to my store with his dog.

“He should have asked me or my wife for help finding what he wanted because, as a blind man, he is incapable of doing it for himself.

“Dogs can’t talk. The dog could not have told him where he can find certain products, so there is no need for the dog to be in my shop.

“I have a big sign at the front of the shop which says we do not allow any dogs under any circumstances.

“Dogs are dogs and they do dreadful things, and I will never allow dogs in my shop because myself and my customers are extremely offended by them.”

Mr North also maintained that Mr Terry had not visited the store prior to the incident.

Mr Terry said he would not be put off visiting the area by the incident, and will continue to visit Fairbourne as he has done for 30 years.

“Other shopkeepers were very upset on my behalf and have showed me nothing but support,” he said.

“I can’t and won’t blame the entire community for his behaviour.”

Mr Terry is now in touch with Guide Dogs Cymru and they have since been in touch with Mr North regarding the incident.