A university professor has branded campus bosses “ridiculous” after they banned him from bringing his emotional support dog to work.
For almost two years, Simon Gellar’s trusted German shepherd, Wolf, has been by his side during lectures at the University of Kent in Canterbury.
The 45-year-old, who has a degenerative spine condition, says the pet helps calm his anxiety, which has worsened since he stopped taking the strong opioid painkiller Tramadol.
But the criminology lecturer has now been told Wolf poses a “serious” health and safety risk and must be left at home.
Describing the moment he learned the news, he said: “I felt panic when they told me. My heart sank.
“Now I keep looking for him while I’m at work and he’s not there.
“It’s extremely difficult. He’s a massive part of my life. Without him being there it’s so stressful.
“Wolf just has this way of relaxing you. His being there just helps me when I’m in pain most of the time.
“It’s not like they need to pay to accommodate him. It’s just ridiculous.”
Dr Gellar, who lives in Ramsgate, says the issue was only flagged after he arranged a meeting with the university’s occupational health department ahead of the academic year starting last month.
“I was just trying to do everything above board but I wish I hadn’t, as health and safety got involved,” he explained.
“They don’t seem to really care and were saying that my condition does not really warrant an emotional support animal according to the 2010 Equality Act.
“Wolf has an ID card as an emotional support animal, but the UK does not officially recognise this yet.
“I already had insurance and all that and I’ve never had any complaints.
“I asked if we could find some wiggle room but they said no.
“The meeting went on for an hour and they used neutralising language and said he posed a serious risk to health.
“They are not willing to engage at all.”
Two-year-old Wolf was just a puppy when he first started joining Dr Gellar in class and is a firm favourite with students, who have started a petition to support their professor.
Second-year Megan Sanderson, who launched the campaign on Change.org, said: “I saw Simon last Thursday and he looked really down and upset, which wasn’t like him at all.
“I could tell something was wrong and it was really affecting him.
“He told me what had happened straight away.
“Wolf wouldn’t hurt a fly. He’s a really calm dog and is lovely to have around.”
Miss Sanderson’s petition has already been signed by almost 400 supporters.
“Wolf has been a constant presence at Simon's side on campus in the past year without any detrimental impact on students or staff,” the 19-year-old said.
“Wolf is not just a pet, he provides Simon with emotional support.”
Dr Gellar says it has been “heartwarming” to see students fighting to overturn the ban.
“I just thought ‘wow’ as I saw the names go up and people signing. It’s a really nice feeling. It just shows how much of an effect Wolf has.
“It’s nice to see that people actually care.”
Dr Gellar has been told he faces disciplinary action if he defies the ban.
But he has now put in a complaint against the health and safety department to try to reverse the ruling.
The university say its “animals on campus policy” allows assistance dogs in non-public areas “provided they are trained by a certified organisation or their owner, and present a reduced risk of harm or threat to other staff, students and campus visitors”.
A spokesman added: “This is to ensure everyone's safety, with trained assistance dogs expected to be able to perform specific tasks that both support their owner and are respectful of the needs of others in our community.
“Unfortunately, Dr Gellar's dog does not meet our requirements for being a trained assistance animal. However, we are working with him to find solutions that will continue to support his health and wellbeing at work.”
