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Resolved complaint (30) about assistance animal discrimination in goods, services and facilities

Learn how a complaint (30) about assistance animal discrimination in goods, services and facilities was resolved through conciliation.

Disability rights Conciliation register entry

Summary

  • Year: 2021
  • Relevant Act: Disability Discrimination Act
  • Grounds: Assistance animal
  • Area(s): Goods, services and facilities
  • Settlement terms:
    • Apology - private
    • Donation to charity
    • Revised terms and conditions
    • Anti-discrimination/EEO policy developed

About the complaint

The complainant is deaf and uses a cochlear implant. She alleged the respondent motel informed her she would not be able to bring her service dog with her because it did not allow pets in guest rooms. 

On being notified of the complaint, the motel indicated a willingness to participate in conciliation. 

The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the motel write to the complainant apologising for what happened and confirming that assistance animals and their owners would be permitted to stay at the motel. The motel also undertook to make a donation to a charity of the complainant's choice and agreed to engage an independent third-party training organisation to train staff and develop a policy on assistance animals. 

Guidance on the use of these summaries

This is a summary of a selected complaint that has been resolved through our conciliation process. It's designed to help people better understand how complaints might be resolved and what outcomes are possible.

These summaries are for general guidance only and are not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, you should seek independent legal support.

Please note:

  • all complaints are de-identified
  • complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
  • some content may include confronting or offensive language.

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