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Dogs and cats can eat out outside

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Comments (6)

Friday, August 27, 2010

(Updated 11:24 am)

Staff Reports

Dogs and cats will be allowed to sit with owners in the outdoor areas of restaurants under an administrative rule that goes into effect Sept. 1.

“I am pleased that this rule has been clarified to promote consistency across the state with regard to the presence of dogs and cats in outdoor dining areas,” said Larry Michael, head of the Food Protection Branch in the Division of Environmental Health, in a news release. “This amendment allows food service operators to decide whether or not to allow dogs and cats in outdoor dining areas – and if they do, there are public health provisions in place to help safeguard the food.”

Cats and dogs will be allowed in outdoor dining areas if:

They are physically restrained.
They don’t enter the indoor area of a restaurant.
They don’t come in contact with food or food preparers.

Restaurants will be able to determine whether they want to allow dogs and cats in their outdoor seating areas.

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FedUp

August 27, 2010 - 10:59 am EDT

Humans are finally evolving :)

spyderrms

August 27, 2010 - 12:06 pm EDT

Evolving? I love my dogs, but I don't want to eat with other people's.

Dogwood

August 27, 2010 - 1:33 pm EDT

It would be nice if all patrons at any sidewalk cafe would not offer french-fried food to a beautiful, trained companion. It does muck up the intestines of the canines. It might make you feel happy, but it destroys trust and command. European cafe local patrons know these rules. Tourist don't and are not looked fondly upon.

ustaxpayer

August 28, 2010 - 3:44 pm EDT

I would prefer not to have cold noses touching my legs while I eat. What if the animal has to take a crap while their owners dine...One more point...what would happen if you mix dogs and cats??? HHMMMmmmm...that can make for some very entertaining entertainment. In closing... there is a reason why I dont join my dog while she eats her food. Point blank...it's nasty. Leave your animals at home where they belong.

truthteller

August 28, 2010 - 9:58 pm EDT

How appetizing could it be getting a glimpse of a dog licking himself while you're trying to dine. I'll just be sure to patronize only those restaurants that don't allow animals.