Url: http://www.k9magazine.com...5&aid=1573
A private hire taxi driver left a blind woman stranded after he refused to allow her guide dog into his cab as it offended his religious beliefs.

Abdul Rasheed Majekodumni of west London was booked to take Mrs Jane Vernon to her home in Hammersmith after she had appeared on the BBC's Newsnight programme.

Mrs Vernon, who is the legal officer for the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) said "This experience was very upsetting. I was tired and cold and just wanted to get home but this driver made me feel like I was a second-class citizen, like I didn't count at all."

The BBC had a contract with private hire firm, called Niven's and Co.

Mrs Vernon contacted the cab company to register a complaint where she was told that she should have been more sensitive to other people's culture. She has not been offered an apology.


I am only posting this as I think this mans excuse is disgusting blindness happens in all cultures this woman must have been frightened when stranded. This taxi driver could have least contacted the taxi company and got another cab driver 2 take this woman and her helper home This world is NUTS!!

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[Edited 10/17/06 16:18pm]

Yep I don't think it has anything to do with religous beliefs....poor woman.

That's horrible! I can't believe what the taxi company said! What a load of crap. I'm sure people say and do things in cabs ALL THE TIME that would offend his religious beliefs.

What religion is offended by dogs traveling in cars?

That is absolutely disgusting.

I hope the BBC cancels its contract with that taxi company.

luv4u said:

Revoke the drivers Taxi Licence also

In the UK it is a criminal offence under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act says that cabbies who are not asthmatic or allergic to dogs cannot refuse to carry guide dogs and hearing dogs, or charge extra for it. I hope he loses his licence and criminal proceedings begin.

Steadwood said:

Hit ppl like that in the pocket

That's a form of discrimination. Just because she has a seeing eye dog

The dog is that woman's eyes and ears, as well as her personal pet, and she depends on that animal to get around.

luv4u said:

It's blatant discrimination ...

Just like Jack Straw ...(Laboour MP in the constituency just down the road from me) asking Muslim Women to remove their veils when attending his surgery

evenstar3 said:

It is nuts in the UK with all the debates on faiths.

1 debate that is on all news channels is about wearing of full face veils.This one woman took of her full face veil in a interview with a head teacher she was then given the Job but she refused 2 take her full face veil off when teaching the children. The Koran tells Muslims men & women 2 dress modestly. This woman wore a niqab (full veil) so she should not have taken her full face veil off when in the interview with the head teacher she is only allowed to take it of in the presence of men she is related or married 2. The Muslim Council of GB has said she could take her veil off in front of the children as long as they are not of sexual age. She has been suspended from her job because of the refusual 2 take the veil of why she took her veil off in the first place.


The other debate that started was when Jack Straw suggested women wearing veils that cover the face can make relations between communities more difficult. I am all for freedom of choice this debate is madness 2 me.