UPDATE: In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, a Sainsbury’s store in Torquay has ordered an elderly shopper, June Carpenter, and her emotional support dog, Pacco, to leave the premises. This confrontation occurred as June was attempting to purchase groceries, an experience that has left her feeling traumatized and discriminated against.
June, who has disabilities and relies on Pacco for emotional support, was approached by management and told to vacate the store after someone complained about her registered Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Despite visiting the store weekly for the last ten months without issue, where staff were often fond of Pacco, this time was different. June reported that she was wheeling Pacco in a pushchair when she was confronted by two managers who insisted on enforcing store policy.
According to June, as she attempted to pay for a jar of marmalade, one manager stated, “You’re not allowed to bring your dog in,” while a second manager reiterated the order. Despite showing Pacco’s ESA lanyard, which was visible on the pushchair, she was not permitted to stay. “I was made to feel the size of a shilling,” June said, expressing her distress over the incident.
The emotional fallout has been significant for June, who describes Pacco as a crucial companion that alleviates her anxiety. “I can’t cope without him… it was traumatic,” she stated. After the confrontation, she lodged a formal complaint, but the store has reportedly not changed its stance, emphasizing hygiene concerns as the reason for their policy against ESAs.
June highlighted her deep connection to Pacco, who has a cleft palate, and her reliance on him for stability and companionship. “Because I’m on my own, we never go anywhere without one another,” she explained. Her fears now extend beyond Sainsbury’s; she worries about the implications for visiting other stores like Argos and Specsavers, which are located within the supermarket.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s 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.” This policy has raised questions about the treatment of elderly and disabled customers in retail environments.
The incident has drawn significant attention as many shoppers witnessed the confrontation. June’s experience resonates with others facing similar challenges, igniting a broader conversation about the rights of individuals with emotional support animals in public spaces.
As this story develops, customers and advocates are calling for a reassessment of Sainsbury’s policies to ensure that vulnerable shoppers feel welcomed and respected. June Carpenter’s plight serves as a reminder of the emotional impact of such policies, and many are left wondering: what will change in how Sainsbury’s treats its elderly and disabled clientele?
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as June’s experience continues to unfold and spark conversations about inclusivity in retail.
