Should dogs be allowed in Australian cafes and restaurants?
Riddells Creek resident, Kristy Gadsby, thinks it’s a move that could boost business and foster bonds with man’s best friend.
She has launched a petition seeking change to legislation that currently restricts them to outdoor dining areas only, unless they are a service dog.
“I went to Europe earlier this year where dogs were allowed in dining areas. It was a nice and inclusive environment, and great to see,” she said.
“Consumer demand for pet-friendly hospitality venues is growing in Australia, in line with trends in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.”
Ms Gadsby is studying a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in environmental health and public health, and as a dog owner herself, the subject has captured her interest.
While Ms Gadsby acknowledged “not everyone will support it”, she felt it was something many people in the Macedon Ranges would be open to.
Changes would enable venue owners to decide on dog entry to their own venues, provided that no food is prepared in the dog areas, dogs remain under full control of their owner (on-leash and supervised), and appropriate hygiene measures are maintained.
“Specifically, we request that licensed proprietors of pubs, bars, cafés, and similar hospitality venues be given the discretion to allow companion dogs in designated indoor customer areas where food is not prepared,” the petition states.
“This change would offer greater flexibility for businesses, support local economies, encourage tourism, and enhance lifestyle in pet-friendly communities. Importantly, the decision to allow dogs would remain with individual proprietors.”
Ms Gadsby’s petition launched last Tuesday and by Thursday had already gained 34 signatures of support. Her target is 1000 signatures.
The petition closes on September 24 at 11.59pm. To show your support, sign the online document via: aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7673
