GUIDE dogs in Madrid marched through the streets demanding their workers’ rights yesterday, in a demonstration organised by the Association of Users and Friends of Guide Dogs.

Their trek through the city was to point out to those who saw them the obstacles they face every day.

This includes not being able to enter small shops, because owners and staff are unaware that guide dogs are permitted into any public building, even where pet dogs are not.

The law also extends to fully-sighted people walking with guide dogs, since they need to be trained by experts – usually volunteers – before they are able to assist blind people.

Guide dogs live with their mothers in sanctuaries owned by the Spanish blind organisation, ONCE, until they are weaned, where they receive their initial training and are taught to become used to noises and other features of everyday life.

Next, they live in the homes of volunteer trainers and their families, and are taken out for walks in public places such as on the bus and train, out shopping or to university.

The animals then return to the guide dog school when they are a year old, to undergo a further 20 months’ intensive training.

Finally, at almost three years of age, they are designated to a blind or partially-sighted person, who will give them a permanent home.

Although they are given free of charge, it is the new owner who is responsible for the costs of upkeep.

Around 200 guide dogs are in action in Madrid at present.

To mark ONCE’s White Stick Day, the association ran a march through the city to raise awareness of the needs of both blind people and their dogs.

The guide dog school run by the ONCE says the public needs to be taught that these animals should not be distracted, played with or fed when they are out in the street, since they are effectively working.

Additionally, the school says, people should respect guide dogs’ rights, such as being able to accompany their owners to restaurants or in taxis.