Pete Bungay of Christchurch backs Guide Dogs campaign over public distraction

A VISUALLY impaired Christchurch man is taking part in a campaign to remind the public not to distract working guide dogs.

Research by charity Guide Dogs has found over half of owners (55%) say members of the public distract their dogs at least once a day, despite the danger it poses to the owner and dog.

Additionally, over two-thirds (68%) said they have changed their plans or restricted visits to certain places to avoid the public.

Pete Bungay, from Christchurch, has been partnered with four-year-old guide dog Stevie since 2020 and has dealt with distracting behaviours from members of public when they are out together.

“Stevie is my link to the world,” he said. “We are a partnership, so when he’s working in harness he needs to focus on the job in hand to keep us safe.

“When people distract Stevie it means that he might not pay attention to a road, a crossing or an obstacle and that could lead to both of us being hurt.

“I know that he’s a handsome chap but please, don’t dive on the dog. If you want to say hello, ask me first and don’t be upset if I sometimes have to say no.”

Common issues reported by guide dog owners are petting, whistling, taking pictures and offering food or treats.

A poll discovered that one in five Brits (21%) admit they have stopped and distracted a guide dog while it was working, while 34% confessed they’d been tempted to.

Of those surveyed, over half (56%) agreed that they would never do anything to distract a working professional such as a doctor or firefighter, however, almost one in six (14%) admitted they did not consider a guide dog a working professional.

Director of canine affairs at Guide Dogs, Tim Stafford, said: “Guide dogs are working professionals who play an essential role in providing independence to people with sight loss.

“We kindly ask the public to respect guide dogs' jobs by refraining from petting, talking to, or distracting them while on duty, whether the guide dog is walking somewhere or quietly settled with their owner.”

He added: “Our guide dogs need to focus on guiding their handlers safely and confidently. By treating them with the same courtesy as you would any other uniformed worker, you help enable guide dog owners to live their lives freely and without disruption.”

For more information, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk