Content warning: includes accounts of violence against people and animals.
A shocking story of a blind passenger on a Perth train being punched by an aggressive man upset that he couldn’t pet his Seeing Eye Dog has shocked the hosts of Vision Australia Radio’s Studio 1.
In a break of usual programing, hosts Matthew Layton and Sam Rickard heard from Matt Spencer who encountered the alarming experience on a recent train trip to Perth.
“A gentleman got onto the train, saw me and sat opposite me. He came over towards me and wanted to pat my dog, and I said, ‘I’m sorry sir can you please leave my dog alone, he’s working,’” Matt told Studio 1
“And he said, ‘Oh well he is not working at the moment, he is laying there.’”
After explaining that Seeing Eye Dogs are always considered to be working when wearing their harness and should not be approached, Matt said the other passenger became aggressive.
Photo: A Seeing Eye Dog helps a passenger disembark a train.
“I don’t know something snapped in him, and he got very aggressive,” Matt said.
“He said, “Well you shouldn’t have put dogs in enslavement.’
“[He said] ‘That dog’s a slave. How dare you put this dog into enslavement? You’re telling the dog what to do.’
Matt tried to explain to the other passenger that he gives directions to his Seeing Eye Dog as part of their working relationship, at which point the other passenger became physically aggressive.
“Basically he got aggressive with me. I said, ‘Mate just sit down and leave the dog alone and find somewhere else to sit.’
“He basically punched me and pushed me around and tried to get the harness off the dog.”
It was only until two transit guards apprehended the attacker that Matt was able to collect himself.
“I was physically shaken as you can expect, I’m sure my heart was beating at least 30 beats per second,” Matt said.
The transit guards accompanied Matt to his destination and he was able to give a statement.
“I’m beyond words,” host Matthew said.
Listen to the full story in the player below (story begins at 9:07):
It’s important people understand how working Seeing Eye Dogs and other dog guides should be treated. Find out more about Seeing Eye Dog etiquette on the Seeing Eye Dogs website.
Studio 1 is Vision Australia Radio’s weekly look at life from a low vision and blind point of view.
To get in touch with the show. Call or text: 0450 078834 or email: [email protected]