Nobby wrote: ↑Thu Nov 10, 2022 7:24 am
One always imagines that dogs are banned from restaurants by Law. It must be true because you never see a dog in a restaurant.
But in fact no such Law exists, it's all down to the owner of the premises to decide and they invariably opt to ban dogs because......you never see a dog in a restaurant. :-)
Sorry Nobby, but have to say that you are wrong. I have frequently seen dogs in garden centre cafes and light eateries on several occasions, the most recent being at Endsleigh Garden Centre at Ivybridge, S,Devon and at Homeleigh Garden Centre at Dutton, just outside Launceston, Cornwall.
We were sat at a side table, enjoying an afternoon coffee at Homeleigh and there were actually three dogs plus owners, only one of which (the dogs) was on a lead. The other two were wandering about, one scrounging and sniffing at other tables. This was put up with by-it has to be said, myself included-very tolerant members of the public until the two untethered dogs started a barking match, which went on for a few minutes before one of the owners intervened.
Now, I don't know about you-and I would like to stress to all you dog owners at this point- that I do like all animals very much, including dogs and cats and whilst many treat their pets as equal to children, I do draw the line at having them off lead and effectively out of control, in places where humans may sit and eat. Even on lead, dogs do not always see eye-to-eye and loud barking can be very off-putting to many would be clients..
It is not a question of dislike or general intolerance, it is a question of personal hygiene and whatever you dog owners or others may think, Having other people's pets scrounging from you where and when you are trying eat, is neither nice, nor acceptable...In My Opinion.
I have also been tripped up by a lead in a sporting goods, fishing tackle & clothing store and at my age, it hurt. True, the owner apologised and helped me up again, but it could have been more serious and therefore begs the question, whilst the shop owners do not have the slightest wish to deter would-be buyers, is not their first duty to ensure the safety of those who cross their threshold-and if that means that pets should be tethered outside, then as a shop owner, which do you choose?
I even saw one wander in through the door at Derriford Hospital, whilst waiting inside. I think it found it's way along several corridors before being caught..
I say again, I do like dogs in general very much, though cannot see the reason for many wanting to own some of the tough, fighting breeds, some of which are barely under control and which have been known to turn on their human families at times.
Dogs such as spaniels are beautiful creatures, faithful to a fault to their owners and many share every aspect of their lives together, including the table; but not all agree with this. Some people are actually fearful of all dogs and they too have an equal right to NOT have to share their company in public places.
On Dartmoor, a great many sheep die horribly every year as a result of out-of-control canine activity, their owners taking little if any responsibility for such activity, "Fido" having an equal 'right to roam' and all that..
Where members of this forum live with close access to beautiful countryside, of course-it is entirely natural that canine companions should form part of their lives and go everywhere in the open together! Why ever not? I fully agree with that.
BUT..I do feel that in close communities (is that the right phraseology?) such as shops and restaurants, people-and the rights of all people- come first and where some have a fear of dogs or simply do not like them, NOT hate them, just do not like them, then eateries, shops and other places have a duty to uphold that. Something that owners should try and understand and respect.
Guide dogs excepted of course.
As said, just my views, respectful to all owners..
wm+ (who owned dogs when he lived in the Country)