A schoolgirl could be allowed to bring her “anxiety dog” to school following a “landmark legal case” in Scotland.
Throughout a lengthy dispute between the girl’s family and the local council, the family insisted that their golden retriever must accompany their daughter to school to assist “with her well-being”.
Moray Council, located in the north east of Scotland, had originally rejected the proposal, arguing that various “reasonable adjustments” might be offered instead to support her in the same way.
Despite this rejection, an education tribunal has urged the council to issue a “fresh decision” regarding the girl’s case, which might lead to a different outcome.
An education tribunal has urged the council to issue a “fresh decision” regarding the girl’s case, which might lead to a different outcome
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A potential outcome that is currently being considered by authorities is a compromise between both parties, in which the daughter would be permitted to take the dog to school – but only on a part-time basis for a set number of hours each week.
The schoolgirl’s father has said: “There were two decisions made. One that she should get a letter of apology.
“The other is it has been given back to Moray Council to redo their decision.
“This is a landmark legal decision which will pave the way for others who are neurodiverse, or who have mobility issues, to secure the benefit of an assistance dog at school.
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“It marks the culmination of a nearly three-year struggle to show that our request for an assistance dog for a limited number of hours each week was a reasonable adjustment.”
Moray Council has said: “We will be reviewing the findings to consider our next steps.”
It has been reported that the girl’s parents have invest thousands of pounds into dog training, so that the family pet can identify the warning signs of anxiety, so that they can provide comfort and support.
However, the tribunal is currently reviewing the drawbacks of such a move, considering those with allergies and a fear of the pets.
The tribunal is currently reviewing the drawbacks of such a move, considering those with allergies and a fear of the pets
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If the decision goes ahead, similar requests could be asked of the council, although some have expressed concern regarding the consequences if a dog attacked a child or inflicted an allergic reaction on a classmate.
Quango Education Scotland has said: “Interest in using dogs in educational settings for therapeutic purposes is increasing.
“It is the responsibility of local authorities to meet individual pupil needs.”
Regarding the introduction of therapy dogs in schools, Education Scotland has said: “Interest in using dogs in educational settings for therapeutic purposes is increasing. It is the responsibility of local authorities to meet individual pupil needs.”
