Park Slope Pooches Rejoice As “Dining With Dogs” Bill Passes

In this pooch friendly neighborhood, news about the passing of the “Dining with Dogs” legislation in Albany was met with a round of cheers and happy barks. The Daily News reported that the vote was a striking 97-5 in favor.

This means that dogs can legally be in restaurant outdoor spaces, including backyards, gardens, and sidewalks.

Gothamist reports that Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), who sponsored the New York State bill in Albany, researched the effects of a similar bill that was passed in Los Angeles in 2012. Rosenthal’s team found “no increase in the number of animal on person incidents or complaints related to dogs in restaurants reported to the LA County Department of Health.”

In October 2014, the Department of Health (DOH) banned dogs from The Gate (321 5th Avenue at 3rd Street), a particularly dog-friendly bar. The DOH cited the following: “§81.25 No live animal shall be kept, housed or permitted to enter into or remain in any food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment.”

The Gate and the community tried to fight the ban, but to no avail at the time.

We had a chance to speak with Gate owner Bobby Gagnon about his reaction to the passing of yesterday’s bill.

PSS: Governor Cuomo signed into law the “Dining with Dogs” bill today. How are you feeling about this?

Bobby Gagnon: [We’re] happy to see that the city is able to adapt to be honest. Thrilled for our dog owning patrons. We have been a responsible, involved member of this community for nearly 20 years and have made lasting friendships, canines included (The Gate’s patron saint is a rescue named “Walter” and much of our charity has been dog-related so it is especially satisfying). We are truly a dog friendly city now.

Were you actively involved at all with the movement to get this bill signed?

All I can say here is that we just stuck our necks out and stood up for what we thought was right. We reached out to our elected officials, supported petitioning, raised some awareness. The real work was done by the community.

So now what? Any thoughts on celebrating the bill?

Celebrating is our business! We are currently ensuring we will be compliant with the law as it is written. The outdoor season is now ending so we will hold off on the big bash until spring.

We reached out to the DOH for comment. DOH Press Secretary Christopher Miller released the following statement: “The Food and Drug Administration recommends that animals be excluded from restaurants as they can create a risk to the health and safety of diners, restaurant workers, and other dogs. We will work to establish rules that will ensure the safety of the public and restaurant patrons.”

In addition, Miller provided this information: “It is up to an individual restaurant whether to allow dogs at its outdoor café. Dogs must still remain outdoors. Further, they cannot be led through the interior of a restaurant to a rear outdoor seating area. There must be a separate exterior entrance for the restaurant patron and his dog.”

While the pooches may have just a little time left to enjoy the outdoors this year, you’ll surely see them adorn the outdoors at The Gate and other establishments in 2016.