A BLIND woman has described the charity Guide Dogs' decision to not provide her with a guide dog as "cruel and callous."

Thelma Evans, 64 from West Moors, is registered blind and has had seven guide dogs in the past.

She has been on the waiting list for a new dog since September 2019 and her current dog Zebadee is retired due to having leg difficulties.

However, Mrs Evans has now been told she is no longer eligible for a guide dog.

She said: "This is a very cruel and callous thing to do, because if I don’t have another dog, I’m going to be housebound for the rest of my life and I’m only 64. My dog had to retire last August, so I’ve been housebound for five months as it is, which is outrageous in itself.

"I am just horrified that somebody should treat me in such a way – making me wait 16 months then taking me off the list for some ridiculous reason.

"I was feeling quite suicidal thinking ‘I’m going to be housebound for the rest of my life’, but then I thought I’ve got to be here to look after my retired dog."

Since Mrs Evans' husband died of cancer four years ago, her neighbour offered to clean up her garden and has been doing so ever since.

Mrs Evans also has to pay for a dog walker to take Zebadee on a walk twice a day.

According to Mrs Evans, these are some of the reasons why she is no longer eligible for a new guide dog.

She said: "I met the criteria for my past seven dogs, but all of a sudden, I’ve been taken off the list. On the phone, a Guide Dogs manager started listing all the reasons why I don’t meet the criteria, such as I don’t pick up the dog poo in my garden, my neighbour does. What difference does it make? As long as it’s done every day and the garden is kept clean and tidy.

"She offered and she is happy to do it.

"If people from Guide Dogs had a blindfold on and were in my garden after my dog had been out, I’m sure they wouldn’t be able to find the dog poo.

"I’m so outraged at how they have treated me and I want everyone to know about it. Little do people know how us blind people are treated."

In response to this, Guide Dogs' Regional Head of Canine Assisted Services, Simon Lynn said: "Guide Dogs carry out a robust assessment to fully understand how we can best support people with sight loss. We work closely with all new and returning applicants to determine whether a guide dog will suit their individual needs.

"The welfare of our dogs is paramount, and we need to ensure that their physical and mental wellbeing needs will be met whenever we match them with someone.

"We do have an appeal process, where an independent panel will review all the facts of the case if anyone disagrees with or has concerns about our decision.

"Even if someone is not eligible for a guide dog, we will continue to work closely with them and support them to live independently through our other services."