Daughter compares taxi’s refusal to take pit bull to mum’s grave to racism
A dog owner has claimed her beloved pooch was discriminated against after a taxi company refused to take her on a trip to her mum's grave.
Michelle Scott has likened the treatment of Willow the pit bull to homophobia or racism.
The eight-year-old hound was not allowed to get in the car when she tried booking a cab to the cemetry.
She claimed the Hull based firm flat-out refused to "take a dog like that", despite Michelle being in possession of a certificate proving Willow was not a risk.
"I couldn't believe it. I was so upset that someone would say it," she said.
"It's like saying they wouldn't let someone in the car because of the colour of their skin or their sexuality. It's the same level.
"I couldn't believe someone can have an attitude like that. It was shocking.
"It's because of her breed. She has never had any issues. She's getting older. She's lovely. She's as soft as anything.
"She is registered with DEFRA. They said they'd never take a dog like that and to ring another taxi company.
"I couldn't believe it. It's like discrimination against a dog."
Michelle volunteers at an animal rescue charity in Hull and has been left appalled by the treatment she has received.
She has looked after Willow for the entirety of her life and even went through the courts to prove the pit bull was a safe addition to a family home.
She is so safe the dog is allowed to play out with her six guinea pigs, two budgies and other dog.
Michelle says all she wanted was to take her to see her mum in the cemetery so the pair could be reunited.
"I was saying 'are we going to see grandma' and she gets all happy," she said.
"Tomorrow is a year since my mum passed away. It's a big thing for me. My mum was such a massive support to me and always helped me.
"My mum loved dogs. It was the first time I wanted to take her because I know my mum loved her."
Willow also helped Michelle through her own mental health battle.
"She is so close to me. If I am upset she will come up to me. She is so protective of me," she said.
"She's helped me so much in my dark times with my mental health.
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