MRT passenger worries guide dog on train may attack her & baby, but paralympic swimmer says her dog is highly trained

The human of a guide dog explained online that her pet was highly trained and would not “suddenly attack” after an MRT passenger complained about the dog being allowed inside the train.

An anonymous woman wrote to Stomp on Nov 27 that she had spotted a guide dog inside the MRT on Nov 18. The woman was with her child and expressed fear that the large dog would suddenly attack them. “The MRT is catered to people, not big dogs,” the woman said. The train staff should have done something about the matter, she added.

The Paralympic swimmer Sophie Soon, then uploaded an informative TikTok video highlighting how her guide dog, Orinda, helps her to see. Ms Soon has a condition that makes her unable to see anything in front of her.

@sophsoon

Whether you’ve seen this article or not, I hope this vid gave you some basic info on guide dogs! Do leave any more questions you have for me. 😊 #sgtiktok #guidedog #accessibility

♬ original sound – sophsoon – Sophie 🏊🏼‍♀️🦮💙

“This is for those who are unsure or want to learn more about guide dogs and the laws and regulations that surround them in Singapore,” said Ms Soon, breaking the stigma of service animals in public transport.

She easily identified her feet and Orinda in the article photo and expressed gratitude that most of the online community had come to her defence.

Ms Soon noted that guide dogs spend the first two years of their lives undergoing intensive training. “Basically, there are a lot of tests, extensive training, and socializing done in this period. And unfortunately, not all dogs make the cut because they fail certain tests,” said Ms Soon.

After the dogs graduate, they go through several weeks of training with the handler before being permitted in most public spaces. Those who’ve met Orinda personally confirmed that she was well-behaved. “During swimming events, she remained so quiet. I didn’t feel scared walking next to her,” said a TikTok user.

Some of the places guide dogs are not allowed in are surgery rooms and restaurant kitchens, said Ms Soon.

Furthermore, it is mentioned in the Rapid Transit Systems Act that guide dogs accompanying a person with a sight or hearing impairment or a dog under the effective control of any police officer are the only animals allowed onto railway premises.

Meanwhile, netizens hoped that more could be done to educate the greater public on service animals and their essential roles.

“I am surprised that people are still ignorant. It’s very sad. Some of us require such support,” said netizen Suujatha while another was shocked that there are still those who haven’t heard of or seen a guide dog.

More information on guide dogs can be found here. /TISG

Guide dog plays the part of a loving and somewhat ‘kiasu auntie’ leading handler to MRT reserved seat