Woman Accused Guide Dogs Of Being 'Unethical' And It Has Created A Huge Public Backlash

Nov 29, 2019 by apost team

Wendy Turner Webster, an animal welfare campaigner from the UK, has her heart in the right place when it comes to animals. However, she recently voiced views that many disagreed with and were concerned that these views were actually damaging to the animals she cares so much for.

Specifically, Turner Webster said on Good Morning Britain that she was upset that guide dogs are not able to consent to doing that work.

The activist was also worried that the welfare of these canine companions is not being adequately cared for. She added that 25% of animals that are bred to be guide dogs end up ultimately not having the skill set to do that and need to be rehomed as non-guide dog companion animals as a result. This is adding animals "into a system which is already bursting full of dogs that need to find a new home, she said on the show.

Turner Webster also voiced concerns over what happens when guide dogs are no longer able to work due to their age.

apost.com

Although caring for animals is great, many voiced confusion and frustration with the specifics of her concerns. This group included Piers Morgan, a co-host of the show, who asked if Turner Webster could even teach her own dogs basic tricks, insinuating that they would not be able to consent to do so. Her response was that she knows if she's putting her own animals into a "potentially dangerous or vulnerable situation." However, that reply sidestepped Morgan's inquiry.

Another of the points that she made that many disagreed with, was that technological advances have come far enough that there should be a technological replacement for a guide dog. Paul Williams tweeted his view on the matter: "It is good for the dog & the person they help & both get emotional benefit its not simply about the dog doing work & whether that can be replaced."

Jamie Warwick also had a passionate view, which he voiced in his own tweet: "The animal welfare campaigner should go and sit in the house of a guide dog and see the love, affection and gratitude that is given to these dogs every day by their owners."

What are your views on this matter? Do you believe that dogs should not do anything that they cannot clearly consent to, or are guide dogs appropriately cared for as they provide this important service to the humans they're with?