The Judicial College has told courts across the jurisdiction that equality law only requires them to admit bona fide assistance animals such as guide dogs, The Times reports.

Emotional support animals “are not regulated, have not necessarily undergone any training nor serve a specific function, and in some instances may be little more than family pets; there have been examples of people bringing cats and lapdogs into courts and tribunals, without making any advance requests”, it said.

The next edition of the Equal Treatment Bench Book (ETBB) — a key guide for judges — will directly address the matter of emotional support animals.

In the meantime, judges have been advised to think before admitting animals which could cause disruptions to court business.

One district judge said she was aware of “anecdotal evidence” of hearings interrupted by dogs barking or delayed due to allergies or phobias.