BREAKING: An elderly shopper has vowed to boycott a Sainsbury’s store in Torquay after being ordered to leave with her emotional support dog, Pacco. June Carpenter, who has disabilities, claims she was approached by management while shopping for groceries and told that her registered Emotional Support Animal (ESA) was not allowed inside the store.
This incident, which occurred earlier today, has sparked outrage as June and Pacco have been regular visitors for the past ten months. Until now, their visits had gone without incident, with staff often welcoming the gentle Chihuahua. However, according to June, a manager informed her that they had received a complaint and that she needed to exit the store immediately.
June explained, “I was made to feel the size of a shilling. They didn’t even have the decency to take me to one side.” Despite her attempts to clarify that Pacco is her registered ESA, the manager insisted that they had to leave. A second manager reportedly reinforced the order while she was at the checkout, attempting to pay for a jar of marmalade.
Pacco, who has a cleft palate and provides June with essential emotional support, was visibly calm during the encounter. June stated, “He never causes any problems. I can’t cope without him because I have anxiety.” This traumatic experience has left her contemplating whether she will ever feel comfortable shopping again, fearing she might be turned away from other stores like Argos and Specsavers, which are also located within Sainsbury’s.
Since the incident, June has lodged a complaint against the treatment she received, but Sainsbury’s has maintained its position. A spokesperson reiterated, “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 is causing distress not just for June, but potentially for other customers with emotional support animals. She expressed her frustration with the lack of understanding from a large company like Sainsbury’s, stating, “They should treat older customers, particularly those with disabilities, with dignity and not indifference.”
As of now, June Carpenter remains resolute in her decision to boycott Sainsbury’s, highlighting the emotional toll this incident has taken on her. The public response has been supportive, with many urging Sainsbury’s to reconsider their policies regarding emotional support animals in light of customer needs.
This developing story raises significant questions about the treatment of shoppers with disabilities and the role of emotional support animals in retail spaces. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.
