Woman says Lidl staff humiliated her over emotional support dog

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 17:58 · Archive

A Wigton woman says Lidl staff confronted her about her emotional support dog in the store, raising their voice in front of other shoppers.

Sabina Kucz, a 50-year-old from Wigton, says she was humiliated after staff confronted her about her emotional support dog at Lidl's King Street store on Saturday, 10 October. Ms Kucz is neurodivergent and says Bob, her miniature dachshund, helps her manage anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed during everyday activities, including shopping. She had taken Bob into the store on several previous occasions without problems.

During her latest visit, Ms Kucz alleges a member of staff approached her, raised their voice in front of other shoppers and told her to leave. She says the employee also questioned whether Bob could provide disability support because of his appearance, suggesting a support dog should look like a Labrador. 'Since when did disability, or the support someone needs, have to look a certain way?' Ms Kucz said.

Ms Kucz said the confrontation left her distressed. 'I was standing in a supermarket, being shouted at in front of complete strangers, while the animal who helps me remain calm became the focus of the confrontation. I felt humiliated, intimidated and completely powerless. What should have been an ordinary shopping trip became an experience that left me feeling singled out and ashamed.'

She said other shoppers witnessed the incident. Ms Kucz confirmed that she recognises shops have policies about animals entering stores, and said her complaint concerns how the issue was handled rather than the existence of those policies.

Ms Kucz said Bob's role is to provide emotional reassurance and a calming presence, and she has trained him to remain calm in public. She called for better treatment. 'I am asking to be treated with dignity and spoken to respectfully,' she said. 'People look at me and see someone who appears perfectly capable. They don't see the struggles behind the scenes.'

Lidl said it is investigating the incident.

How it is being reported

• Woman ‘humiliated’ in Lidl row over emotional support dog BobWigton woman Sabina Kucz says she was humiliated after Lidl staff challenged her emotional support dog Bob at its King Street store. Lidl is investigating.NW Evening Mail · 20 Oct, 17:32
• Woman ‘humiliated’ in Lidl row over emotional support dog BobWigton woman Sabina Kucz says she was humiliated after Lidl staff challenged her emotional support dog Bob at its King Street store. Lidl is investigating.Westmorland Gazette · 20 Oct, 17:32
• Woman says she was ‘humiliated’ in Lidl row over emotional support dogWigton woman Sabina Kucz says she was humiliated after Lidl staff challenged her emotional support dog Bob at its King Street store. Lidl is investigating.Cumberland News · 20 Oct, 17:30

In this story: Sabina Kucz · Bob · Lidl · Wigton

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