Legislation: Guaranteeing the right of disabled people to be accompanied by guide dogs

The Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Maria Stylianou Lottidi, is requesting legislative guarantee of the right of persons with disabilities (PWD) to be accompanied by guide dogs in public and private spaces, as well as on public transport.

According to a report published on Friday, the Commissioner deemed it necessary to address the issue due to insufficient regulation.

As part of the investigation, letters were sent to various Ministries and organizations, such as the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the World Blind Union, to gather their positions.

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism stated that there are no provisions for the entry of guide dogs into hospitality and catering establishments, leaving the decision to each business. Complaints have been made about banning dogs on intercity buses.

The Ministry of Transport allows guide dogs on regular bus routes, while the Health Service sets conditions for entry into catering establishments.

The Pancyprian Organisation of the Blind (P.O.T.) emphasizes the importance of training dogs and people with disabilities, and calls for special legislation.

On 27/10/2025, the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights discussed the issue, noting a legislative gap and a lack of state funding for dog training.

The report concludes that legislative guarantee is a fundamental issue of human rights and social inclusion.