Assistance dog controversy: Disabled children left with unsuitable dogs

After spending thousands on assistance dogs for children, families say they were given inadequate animals and refused refunds, writes Kelly O’Brien

COLLECTIVELY they paid more than €156,000 to obtain highly trained assistance dogs to help with conditions such as autism and epilepsy. Now the group of 26 customers has voiced serious concerns about the company that took their money.

The majority, who were seeking an assistance dog either for themselves or for a vulnerable member of their family, allege not only did Service Dogs Europe not give them what they paid for, but that officials at the organisation have, to date, refused to refund their money.