Uproar in France as visually impaired man removed from shop because of guide dog

Arthur Aumoite argued French law permits guide dogs to be used in any public space.

Arthur Aumoite and his guide dog Loya.

Arthur Aumoite and his guide dog Loya. Source: Facebook: Arthur Aumoite

A video of a visually impaired man being kicked out of a shop because of his guide dog has caused anger in France.

Arthur Aumoite was filmed in September arguing with employees as he was removed from the shop in Marseille because it was "unhygienic" to bring his guide dog inside.

During the confrontation, 25-year-old Mr Aumoite claimed that under French law he was permitted to bring the dog into the shop.

Under Article 88, dating back to 1987, guide dogs are allowed on transport and public places to help the visually impaired.

Arthur Aumoite in a confrontation after he bought his guide dog in the shop.
Arthur Aumoite in a confrontation after he bought his guide dog in the shop. Source: Facebook: Arthur Aumoite

But after arguing with the manager and another employee for several minutes, asking them to call the police to clarify the law, the situation escalated.

One of the workers is filmed pushing Mr Aumoite, while another employee is holding the handle of the dog's harness.

A scuffle ensues as Mr Aumoite stands his ground.

The video was filmed by another person who was accompanying Mr Aumoite to the shops.

The clip was posted on Facebook on Sunday, and has now been viewed more than 1.5 million times.

The store, Monoprix, later apologised on social media after a journalist asked them about the incident.

Monoprix said it had been helping the fight against discrimination for years and guide dogs are accepted in its stores.


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2 min read

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By Riley Morgan



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