Who let the dogs out? Maybe Governor Cuomo will. The governor has less than a week to sign or veto a bill that would allow patrons to bring their dogs to outdoor dining areas at restaurants. The Assembly and Senate recently passed the bill. Restaurants would have the final say as to whether dogs would be allowed on patios.The legislation includes some strings. For example, canines must be kept on a leash or in a pet carrier. Also, dogs must use a separate entrance so they don’t walk through the restaurant and spread germs onto plates or glasses. Finally, there is a firm "down" rule, meaning that dogs cannot be lounging on patio chairs or other types of seating reserved for two-legged diners.
Although it is not a law yet, some local residents are already disagreeing like cats and dogs.
Brian McCarthy from Tonawanda said the bill is a good idea because it gets animals to socialize and adjust to different environments. McCarthy believes people just need to be courteous and decide whether or not their pet is well-behaved enough for a restaurant. He also said if some people aren’t courteous, it won’t be the first time.
“Humans are the same way too. If they aren’t well behaved, you shouldn’t take them outside either to eat in a public area,” McCarthy said. “I’ve seen some pretty bad behavior from adults and kids at restaurants.”
As an animal lover, Tim Osborne agreed, but added that maybe the practice should develop slowly.
“Maybe they could start out with certain places doing it and maybe having signs letting people know, just in case people did have a problem with it,” Osborne said. “See how it goes at first, and then maybe try and see if more places could do it.”
However, some dog owners such as Jeannette from Buffalo disagreed. She said her dog isn’t allowed at her dinner table at home, so she certainly wouldn’t want him with her at a restaurant.
Harold Corley from Buffalo worries that the bill could pose a health problem.
“Truthfully, I would say dogs should not be allowed at restaurants when people are eating for various reasons,” Corley said. “They could have fleas. They might have to defecate or urinate.”
While there are mixed opinions about restaurant patios in New York going to the dogs, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul tells WBFO Governor Cuomo has not decided whether or not he is going to sign the bill.
“The governor is reviewing it,” was all Hochul would say. “He has not determined whether or not he is going to sign this, but he’s certainly weighing all the advantages and disadvantages right now.”
