An Oxford County canine rescue’s coverage to not undertake dogs to properties of kids with autism has been deemed “discriminatory” by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
“It ensures I wasn’t making a mountain out of a mole hill. It takes a large weight off our family,” stated Erin Doan, who lodged the grievance in 2022.
Doan introduced the human rights grievance in opposition to Kismutt Dog Rescue in May 2022 after she was instructed she couldn’t undertake one among Kismutt’s rescue dogs, as a result of her son, Henry, has autism.
Ontario’s Human Rights Tribunal agreed with Doan, and known as Kismutt’s blanket coverage “discriminatory.”
In addition, the tribunal ordered the proprietor, Kim Thomas, to finish human rights coaching by March, to finish social media posts in regards to the Doan’s case, and to pay $20,000 in damages to the Doan household.
Thomas in the meantime stands by her choice to not undertake a canine to the Doans, and cited instances during which dogs had been injured by youngsters with autism in 2008 and 2012. She stated she doesn’t plan on abiding by the tribunal’s ruling, finishing human rights coaching, or paying the $20,000 penalty, which can immediate extra authorized wrangling.
“There are ways to do that, and we are looking into that avenue. But, for the most part the focus is on the decision. And that’s what I set out to do. It wasn’t about the other stuff, so we’ll go on from there,” stated Doan.
The choice is being hailed as a precedent setting victory by Autism Ontario and the incapacity neighborhood.
“This is sometimes how laws [are] made, through this way. It’s important that autistic families, autistic people have access to animals. Access to the love of a pet, which can offer them love and stability, and be a positive force in their lives,” defined Michael Cnudde of Autism Ontario.
The Doans did find yourself adopting a rescue canine for Henry shortly after being denied one from Kismutt. Unfortunately, Chico needed to be put down as a consequence of “medical issues” simply two weeks earlier than the tribunal listening to’s choice in December 2023.
Henry Doan performs together with his rescue canine, Chico, in February 2023 in Listowel, Ont. (Source: Erin Doan)
“Henry and Chico were the best of friends. They did everything together and it just goes to show that an autistic person and a dog can work together,” stated Doan.
Doan stated they’re going to mourn Chico for a bit, earlier than contemplating getting one other canine for 11-year-old Henry.
Thomas now not adopts dogs by way of Kismutt Dog Rescue, however does nonetheless board dogs at her property situated south of St. Marys.
She disagrees with the tribunal’s choice and stated she’s obtained a whole bunch of emails and messages of assist for her position.
The Doans nevertheless are prepared for this chapter of their lives to return to an finish.
“Just move on, and know it was a huge win for the autism community, as a whole, and disability community, as a whole, and not just for my son,” stated Doan.
