by Paul Knight

Created on: July 16, 2010

I tire of saying this but I am a serious dog lover and treat my own “Fred” like a king, he is even referred to by most of the family as “his poochesty” and is allowed to get away with slightly more than he should regularly, therefore, I am definitely not anti-dog. This said, I think that dogs in restaurants as a general rule is a completely disgusting concept and it fills me with dread. Now I am not a killjoy nor do I believe people should not be allowed to do as they wish but for me, it is not!

Before I continue I feel that I must chuck a disclaimer out there that I do not include guide or hearing dogs as they are obviously highly trained working dogs that need to be there for a purpose, so on with the rant. I personally do not believe that hygiene could be kept up to a satisfactory level with the introduction of dogs because even if you keep the cleanest dog you cannot control what is on the pavement you walked them in on, nor can you be sure if they have been to the toilet that all bacteria is away from the fur and this is transferred to the floor of the restaurant and tracked round by foot movement not to mention worms and hair.

The above is good common sense I know but there are many other factors to consider, what if it were a rainy day? Do I want the smell of ten wet dogs overriding my sausage and mash? No! Do I wish to be seated next to the dog owner who thinks it is acceptable for their dog to whine all through dinner begging for scraps? No! Do I want to see a dog licking itself when I am eating? No! And my list could go on and on because I actually just realised that the mere notion of letting pets into an eating area is offensive to me.

Just to drive home the point further there is also the element of personal safety. Children and dogs do not always mix nor do all dogs mix well with other dogs and even the most well intentioned and responsible owner could be caught out by the child returning from the toilet who steps on a tail or paw and receives a bite.

Now if some entrepreneur feels that they see a gap in the market here and can get permission from health and safety to open a dog friendly restaurant, pub or cafe then that is fine providing that the proprietor is prepared to clearly state that information on all of their exterior, media and internet advertising so that I and those who agree with me can choose not to eat there.

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