UPDATE: An elderly shopper with disabilities has vowed to boycott a Sainsbury’s store after being forcibly removed while shopping with her emotional support dog. June Carpenter, 70, was shopping at the Torquay store on August 15, 2023, when management approached her and ordered her to leave due to a complaint about her registered Chihuahua, Pacco.
The incident has sparked outrage as June claims she has visited the store weekly for the past ten months without any issues. “I was just trying to pay for my groceries when they told me to leave,” June recounted. “Pacco is my emotional support animal, and he has never caused any trouble.”
According to June, she was using a pushchair for Pacco when a manager informed her it was against store policy for her to bring him inside. Despite presenting Pacco’s ESA registration and lanyard, she was told to exit the store, leaving her feeling humiliated and distressed. “I was made to feel the size of a shilling,” she expressed.
The emotional toll of the situation is palpable. June relies on Pacco for companionship and stability due to her anxiety, and the sudden removal has left her fearful about shopping in the future. “Now I’m panicking that if I go, are they going to tell me to leave?” she said.
Sainsbury’s spokesperson stated, “While we do allow assistance dogs, for hygiene reasons we aren’t able to permit other animals, including emotional support animals, in our stores.” However, June argues that larger stores should accommodate elderly customers, particularly those with disabilities.
The incident has drawn attention not only for its impact on June but also for its implications for other customers who rely on emotional support animals. Many shoppers in the store reportedly witnessed the confrontation, with some expressing sympathy for June’s situation.
As the story develops, June plans to escalate her complaint, emphasizing that she should not have to choose between her shopping needs and her emotional well-being. “I can’t cope without him,” she stated, highlighting the deep bond they share.
This incident raises critical questions about store policies concerning emotional support animals, particularly in large retail environments. As June continues to advocate for her rights as a customer, the dialogue around accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities is bound to grow.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
