Do not think he is seeking damages, just wants the law clarified.
The cat looks happy enough in the photographs, good luck to him.
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Load of Baldocks .
I like cats but like dogs they have no place in a food store assistance cat indeed .
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I feel sorry for him - I know that animals do provide comfort and reassurance in difficult situations. However, from the sounds of it, his reaction to the environment sounds pretty severe (and dangerous, perhaps?) so while a cat might soothe him, I really think an actual person with him, might be better.
There are lots of people on the autistic spectrum in varying degrees but they have to obey health laws the same as anyone else .
Walking about with a cat on your shoulder is bizarre in any case what if it were a monkey or a lizard or a pet python that made him feel calm?
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Shouldn’t be out on his own. For that matter should in an institution.
Come on AT most of the country has some degree of autism , in may be a natural state for humans .
Apparently Einstein was autistic.
Thats a bit extreme, Todger! There are no institutions anymore. Everyone - regardless of their mental or physical health issues, should be able to take part in society in whichever way they feel able to. I just think in some situations, an actual person rather than an animal, is better. And I have to say, I’m not really a fan of taking animals into food areas - I wouldn’t even take my dog into a “dog friendly” cafe.
There are some selfish attention seekers around. Ha!
But he and his cat made MSN. Best of luck.
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That is probably true but if it extends to having to have an emotional support animal then that crosses a line.
Soon we will be as crazy as the Americans .( they take all sorts of assistance animals on planes including miniature ponies , turkeys and good knows what . )
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I wonder how large animals like ponies feel being stuck on an aeroplane??
Poor animals have no say in it.
Regarding the man’s cat, I just found this:
" Can cats be service animals?
No, but cats can qualify as emotional support animals if you have doctor write a letter for an emotional support animal. Emotional support animals can fly in the cabin of an aircraft and can live in “no pets” apartments, but they do not have the same level of access as service animals and cannot be taken everywhere service dogs are allowed. In this case, cats cannot be extended the same acknowledgement as service dogs.
However, certain establishments might be willing to make adjustments and could make exceptions on a case to case basis for cat owners. It’s best to check with management before bringing the cat to their premises to avoid any untoward incidence.
Wonder if the man did ask management first?
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You appear to have a lack of understanding and empathy. Your responses on here speak volumes about your attitude towards others. 
What is an Emotional Support Animal & Register your Emotional Support Animal
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets that is required for a person’s ongoing mental health treatment by a licensed therapist, psychologist, doctor (GP) or any licensed mental health professional, and the ESA is a part of the person’s ongoing treatment program, that it is designed to bring comfort and minimize the negative symptoms the person’s emotional or psychological disability. All domesticated animals may qualify as Emotional Support Animals and they can be any age, as these animals do not need any specific task-training like a service/assistance animal because their very presence alleviates the symptoms associated with a personal psychological or emotional disability and the only requirement is that the animal is fully under control in public and does not create a nuisance in or around the domestic environment. The ESAUK Registration has helped thousands of people with registration so they are able to have their ESA with them in accommodation (university, private, council), out shopping and most importantly helping the person being able to live again with their companion at their side when out in public.
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I don’t “do” empathy. As for people who are so screwed up as to need emotional support animals then they should restrict the selves - or be restricted - as to where they go. This may appear hard at first sight but why should the majority of people have to be inconvenienced by the peculiarities of the minority?
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We’d never have guessed!! 
And I bet most folks couldn’t give a stuff whether or not he has his cat with him.
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Well Rasputin ,the self confessed holy man and mystic, let’s hope you never need help of any sort from mankind.
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I agree with pixie. He needs a support person with him . The only animals that should be allowed in supermarkets are blind people dogs.
If he needs a cat to keep him calm or goodness knows what would happen then he isn’t safe to be around shopper’s. Wonder why he doesn’t have a support worker aa he sounds aa if his autism is bad.
Todger behave yersen lad. Institution indeed. Specialist care homes or supported living yeah.
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But what are specialist care homes or supported living places if not institutions?
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I would think a miniature horse would not enjoy being stuffed in a cabin there is hardly room to move on a plane for anyone it but I assume it would only be for short domestic flights .
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Institution
noun
an organization founded for a religious, educational, professional, or social purpose.
“an academic institution”
So does Raputin live in one??? Asking for a friend.
I am an animal lover and yet I do agree with AT on this one . These are food shops it’s simply not hygienic and will set an unfortunate precedent. What if someone wanted to bring their assistance mouse in the store the at the same time ?
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