Great Horwood-based charity Medical Detection Dogs has had a visit from the Minister for Disabled People.
Justin Tomlinson MP watched a demonstration by the cancer detection dogs and met some of the assistance dogs and their owners.
He then discussed key concerns raised by the charity’s CEO, Claire Guest, particularly the issue of people allegedly being sold bogus, untrained assistance dogs.
Mr Tomlinson said: “I was really pleased to get the chance to visit the team at Medical Detection Dogs to see some of the amazing work they do. This charity is making a valuable contribution supporting the NHS as we work to fight against cancer and other life-changing illnesses.”
Dr Guest said: “We were really pleased to welcome the minister to Medical Detection Dogs so that he could see first hand the important work that the dogs do, the benefits that they give to their owners and the huge amount of effort that goes into their training.
“Notifying the minister of our concerns surrounding the challenge posed by rogue assistance dog providers was a key aspect of this visit. Our position is clear on this. We think the law needs clarification regarding the legal definition, standard and accreditation for assistance dogs in the UK.”