May 8, 1995

Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Buckingham Palace Kenzington,London,England

Your Royal Highness,

In early July of 1994, I had a chance to participate in a provincial competition of lawn bowling for the blind. I earned a gold medal at this event. In August of 1994 I represented Quebec in a national competition in Saskatoon. I came back from there with two bronze medals, one in men's singles and one for mixed pairs. This earned me a place on the Canadian team for 1995.

I just received an invitation to join the Canadian team in an International competition to be held in London England in July of this year. This event will determine which players will get to the Atlanta Olympic games next year.

I am looking forward to being in England from July 19th until July 31th. Unfortunately, as you know, the English Government will not allow me to be guided into your country by my Canadian Guide Dog "Seymour".

I regard this as being total discrimination against the handicapped and not justifiable in a free country such as England.

I find it unusual that a dog coming from "Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind", a derivative of "English Guide Dogs", may not enter the country of his parents.

It is a well known fact that you are an animal lover. I hope you find it in your heart to convince your Government that Guide Dogs are well taken care of, pause no threat to your country, are very necessary to the people whom they guide and should not be part of a very silly quarantine procedure.

I realize that nothing can be done in time for my visit to England but perhaps other blind people will be allowed to travel safely and independently in your country in the near future.

Yours very truly,
Ronald Pelletier