Court fight looms over Sainsbury's cat ban after store in Clapham refused entry to customer's assistance cat Post Reply

[Community Editor]

A man with autism is taking supermarket giant Sainsbury's to court for refusing entry to his assistance cat.

Designer and writer Ian Fenn from London says the ban on Chloe, who helps him in daily life, is limiting his independence.

He says she helps him stay calm, but the supermarket argues that cats, unlike assistance dogs, present risks to food hygiene.

The case might set a legal precedent if it has to be ruled on by top judges.

Sainsbury's says it is working with an environmental health team to find out how Ian and his cat can visit safely.

Full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61596623

[chorister]

We saw him (not in Sainsbury) - he clearly needs support, but we also felt pretty sorry for the cat.

[Needcoffeenow]

If an animal is an assistance animal, it is certified as such and has same access rights as humans. Otherwise, it’s a pet. Saw woman in Sainsburys carrying a small dog. Very offputting. Then she made a scene when politely asked by store staff to take the dog outside.

[Kirstie’s Mom]

Please do not give this man any publicity . He is a known troll and allegedly has numerous accounts on twitter and harasses anyone who disagrees with his pro LTN stance. He admits to being an avid cyclist and says he is always out and about . He also posts pictures against stores that have anti cycle lane posters in the windows . Police have become involved . This is an abuse of an already over loaded court system and most likely a way of trying to get money.

[EHMorris]

Could he shop online for groceries -  if he finds it that stressful to go to a supermarket, maybe a good solution all round?