The NY Post reports that dog lovers will now be able to dine out with their four-legged companions — Gov. Cuomo on Monday night signed a bill, over the objection of Mayor de Blasio, that allows pooches in outdoor areas of restaurants.
The bill changes the New York State Health Code to allow dog owners to bring their pets with them to food establishments — a request that had been made by pooch lovers around the state.
Although the measure was popular among canine fans, the de Blasio administration opposed the bill for health reasons.
The city Department of Health said the dogs could pose a risk to the health and safety of patrons and restaurant workers…
The city Department of Health said the dogs could pose a risk to the health and safety of patrons and restaurant workers — alhough the old ban on dogs in restaurants was regularly flouted.
The bill, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), was introduced in March and was passed by the Assembly in June.
Rosenthal, a well-known animal lover, was thrilled by the signing of the bill into law, which takes effect immediately.
“Dog lovers and I are celebrating New York state’s new law allowing diners to bring their beloved pets with them when they eat at outdoor restaurants,” she said.
“I am so happy that Gov. Cuomo signed into law my dining-with-dogs bill. No longer will our beloved companion animals be relegated to staying at home while we enjoy outdoor dining. Now they can simply come with us, like any other family member.”
Even though the bill is now law, the owners and managers of outdoor restaurants and cafes will not be forced to allow dogs to join their human companions.
The law, which might become a pet peeve for some restaurateurs, gives them the option of setting the policy at their own establishments.
… animal-rights advocates have noted that the Golden State hasn’t had any problems since it began allowing canines in eateries.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a similar pooch-favoring bill into law in 2014. And animal-rights advocates have noted that the Golden State hasn’t had any problems since it began allowing canines in eateries.
The advocates also noted that dogs are widely accepted at eateries in cities across Europe and in Israel.
Some politicians who tried curbing the bill expressed concern that large pooches could snag food from tabletops if allowed in outdoor restaurants.
Cuomo is expected to announce the signing of the bill on Tuesday.
This is not the first issue over which he and de Blasio have butted heads. Cuomo’s backing of charter schools, for example, has put him at odds with de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña.
Photo via Maroon PR
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