Should Seeing-Eye dogs be allowed at Mass?

[StAlbert]

I just returned from Ash Wednesday Mass. A blind woman (not a regular parishioner at our church) came to Mass accompanied by her Seeing-Eye dog. Our priest did not notice her dog until she stepped up for Communion and seemed quite taken aback. After Mass he let the ushers know that the dog (or any animal) should not be allowed into the church if she should return. This reaction seemed somewhat uncharitable to me. I know that there Masses for blessing of animals. Is there a Church policy on animals (e.g., Seeing-Eye dogs) at Mass?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Someone should inform this priest that he is risking a lawsuit if he tries to bar a disabled person with a service animal from attending Mass. Seeing-Eye dogs and other trained assistance animals are allowed by law to accompany their owners in public wherever they go.

This woman is not bringing her pet to Mass with her. The dog is making it possible for a blind woman to attend Mass and to receive her Lord in the sacraments.