Inclusion Daily Express -- Guide Dog Users Hope Chinese Government Renews Protections

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Guide Dog Users Hope Chinese Government Renews Protections
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
September 24, 2008

BEIJING, CHINA--During the build-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government of China made a big deal about how it embraced people with disabilities, and that their futures would forever be improved.

In fact, for the first time, the government gave users of guide dogs permission to use public facilities and use public transportation with their animals -- without fear of discrimination.

But no more.

That permission expired last Saturday.

Now, people using guide dogs can be turned away by taxis, buses, and the subway.

China, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people, an estimated 12 million of which are blind, has just 7 guide dogs, the Shanghaiist reported.

The only guide dog training center in the country is now training 20 dogs.

Paralympic torchbearer Ping Yali told Xinhua News that, while the future of guide dogs in China is uncertain, she hopes that the government's decision to allow their use -- even if just temporarily -- has raised awareness about them.

"The Chinese people now know guide dogs are not pets. They are working animals just like police dogs," she said.

"Guide dogs are intelligent and friendly. They do not cause any safety issues."

Related:
"Call for more clarity on guide dog issue" (Xinhua News)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/2008/red/0924c.htm

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