AN eMdloti mother’s frustration at not being allowed to keep a dog that would help her autistic son cope has caught the attention of sympathizers. They have started a petition that has gone viral in an effort to help Shelley Ann Foot, who rents an apartment in Bellamont Gardens in eMdloti.
She told the Northglen News that although the petition was not legally binding, she was happy to see public support for her cause.
Her matter hit the spotlight when she went to the Equality High Court after the board of trustees and the body corporate of Bellamont Gardens refused her application to keep a therapy dog for her seven-year-old autistic son, Conrad.
Foot, who resigned from her job as a reflexologist and meridian therapist to take care of Conrad full time, said she came across information that the South African Guide Dog Association trains dogs to help people with disabilities.
After researching the use of a therapy dog to assist Conrad, Foot asked her landlord’s permission to have a pet, who advised her that she had to get permission from the complex’s board of trustees – they refused.
“Guide dogs assist by bringing down a child’s anxiety levels, prevents meltdowns and keeps a child from wandering off,” she said.
A furious Foot added: “On 16 April 2014 I asked for permission, in writing, for keeping a therapeutic dog. On 5 May 2014 I was advised by my landlord that the board of trustees refused my request. The next day I was informed of the same by North Coast Property Management.”
The property management company said yesterday that they would meet with their attorneys today to discuss Foot’s application.
To sign the petition, click here.
