Mar 14, 2008 6:38 pm US/Central
Minn. Legislature Considering 'Doggy Dining' Bill
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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"There's a two burger minimum though, per dog," joked restaurant owner Joe Kaplan.
CBS
For many of us, our dogs are members of the family. A bill at the Minnesota legislature would make it possible to take dogs to restaurants.
Dogs would tag along to outdoor restaurants and sidewalk tables.
For those who think Minnesota's is going to the dogs, it is. More dogs, more people. That's why Anne Hendrickson said humans need to make it easier to get along with canines.
"Dogs need to be good citizens just like people need to be good citizens, and it's our responsibility as people to help our dogs be good citizens. And the way to do that is socialize them," said Hendrickson.
That's why some Minnesota lawmakers are supporting a bill that might sound simple, but there are laws against "Doggie Dining."
In Minneapolis there's a pet in one out of every four homes. The bill would allow you to take your dog to an outdoor restaurant for dinner.
The bill allows restaurants like Joe's Garage in Minneapolis to welcome "doggie diners."
"There's a two burger minimum though, per dog," joked owner Joe Kaplan.
Kaplan said dog owners will be encouraged to bring the pooch for lunch, and that it'll be good for business.
"People can bring their dogs down here, and then if they want to come and have a lemonade, an iced tea, a beer -- well they can hang out on the sidewalk with their dog, or they can go up to the rooftop deck," he added.
The folks at Downtown Dogs say canine companions at restaurants are common in Europe and Canada. Like in the United States, the dogs are members of the family.
"The more well socialized the dog is the better behaved they are, and the better of a citizen they are. And especially downtown, we have to live and work together very closely, so it's up to all of us to be responsible," said Hendrickson.
The bill at the Capitol allows Minnesota cities to decide whether to allow doggie diners, but restaurant owners could opt-in or opt-out.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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