[Suki]

Oregon lawmaker wants dogs in restaurants



The Associated Press

SALEM — A Salem Democrat has sponsored a bill that would make Oregon the first state in the nation to allow dogs into restaurants.

"My dog goes to work with me. He sleeps next to me. He eats dinner near me," Rep. Brian Clem testified Thursday before the Business and Labor Committee. He was accompanied by a picture of his dog, Ooji.

Under Clem's proposal, a pooch patron must be well-behaved and on a leash. Restaurants would also be allowed to discriminate within breeds, so pit bulls would likely be a rare sight at some of the state's finer establishments.

Those safeguards, however, are not safe enough for state health officials, who oppose House Bill 3521.

"I love dogs. Love them. But not around food," said Gail Shibley, environmental public health administrator for the Oregon Public Health Division. "They are quite naturally a vector for a variety of pathogens, including salmonella and campylobacter, also possible exposures to diseases like ringworm."

No state has gone as far as allowing pets inside restaurants. But a few are beginning to consider allowing dogs on restaurant patios and in outdoor bars.

The Washington Legislature this year briefly considered a bill for a three-year pilot program. But opponents complained that dogs might transmit diseases and affect people with allergies.

Clem acknowledges that the bill is unlikely to pass this session, especially since it doesn't have the support of Rep. Mike Schaufler, D-Happy Valley, who heads the Business and Labor Committee.

Though he spoke fondly of his own dog, Schaufler said he doesn't support the bill as written.

Clem and his dog did have at least one committee member supporting them — Rep. Diane Rosenbaum, D-Portland, who brought a framed photograph of Tristan, her 15-year-old cairn terrier.

[DryCreek]

I have to agree with the Public Health Officials on this one. For me to agree to something like this the owner of the dog would have to supply the restaurant with a health certificate from a Vet written on the day they wanted to visit the restaurant that states the dog is in good health and free from both internal and external parasites. Plus, the restaurant would need to provide a separate area for the patrons to sit with their dogs due to peoples allergy's.

But my opinion does not really count on this matter LOL. I stopped going to restaurants when they banned smoking in them in Ontario. I refuse to spend my money at any place that I am discriminated against. The most that happens now is my hubby may bring home take out

[JRSPITS]

I think its great to allow dogs on outdoor patios but not inside unless its a service dog.

The last thing I want to hear when I go to out is sreaming kids let alone dogs barking. I dont have anything against kids(I have one of my own) but there is enough chaos with them.

Add varoius breeds of dogs and people are going to get bit. Not all dog owners are responsible.

[Miakoda]

I find it absolutely unsanitary. I mean, come on, my dogs stay bathed & somewhat clean & despite that when they are in the house, I find doghair EVERYWHERE (i.e. inside the cabinets, the dishwasher, etc. to name a few places one would think it would never get). And I sweep once during the day & vacuum & mop at the end of the day.

Personally, I'll never got into a people restaurant that has dogs sitting in the booths (you know those small dog owners aren't about to put their dogs on the floor), dogs being held, large dogs with their heads on the tables, etc.

Now if one builds a human and doggie bistro & that is the whole purpose of it, then that is fine. But don't let me find dogs inside the local Calendar's because I'll have a fit.

[fearlessknight]

Originally Posted by Suki "I love dogs. Love them. But not around food," said Gail Shibley, environmental public health administrator for the Oregon Public Health Division. "They are quite naturally a vector for a variety of pathogens, including salmonella and campylobacter, also possible exposures to diseases like ringworm."

OK, I know some people will not agree with me here, and thats ok......I don't mind. That's what we are all here for........

I personally would rather sit in a booth or chair after a dog than some people's children...they too are filthy and carry diseases on their hands more so than dogs do anywhere, mainly because parents do not MAKE them wash hands and bathe regularly. Just my opinion.....I dont mean everyones kids either...just a lot of people's...do you know how many kids have ringworms casually and consistantly....I am a fanatic about germs and teeth and hands being clean. I cant help it.

[Turner]

Could you imagine all the dog hair?!?! Lol I think they should just stick to allowing them on the patios but not inside. That way the inside stays clean and people who are allergic to dogs or something can still go to eat there

[Michele]

Originally Posted by fearlessknight OK, I know some people will not agree with me here, and thats ok......I don't mind. That's what we are all here for........ I personally would rather sit in a booth or chair after a dog than some people's children...they too are filthy and carry diseases on their hands more so than dogs do anywhere, mainly because parents do not MAKE them wash hands and bathe regularly. Just my opinion.....I dont mean everyones kids either...just a lot of people's...do you know how many kids have ringworms casually and consistantly....I am a fanatic about germs and teeth and hands being clean. I cant help it.

I'm with you on this one.

[jeoestreich]

I would not want to eat in a resturant that allows dogs, not only will there will be dog hair everywhere but who knows what else. I do not mind if they are outside on a patio of a resturant but inside no way.

[Purple]

Shopping carts skeeve me....

Shopping cart handles harbor more bacteria than public bathroom door knobs.
The study showed that shopping cart handles had and average of 1,100 colony forming units of bacteria per 10 sq. cm. Public bathroom door knobs had only 340 units.

There were an average 690 colony forming units found on a computer mouse used at Internet cafes. Hand straps on buses were found to have 380 units, elevator buttons had 130, and hand straps on subways had 86 units on average.

The study suggests that the reason the shopping cart handles had so much more bacteria is because of the size of the handle allowing for more contact with consumer's hands.

[Turner]

Originally Posted by Purple Shopping carts skeeve me.... Shopping cart handles harbor more bacteria than public bathroom door knobs. The study showed that shopping cart handles had and average of 1,100 colony forming units of bacteria per 10 sq. cm. Public bathroom door knobs had only 340 units. There were an average 690 colony forming units found on a computer mouse used at Internet cafes. Hand straps on buses were found to have 380 units, elevator buttons had 130, and hand straps on subways had 86 units on average. The study suggests that the reason the shopping cart handles had so much more bacteria is because of the size of the handle allowing for more contact with consumer's hands.

LMAO @ Purple!!!! Lol Just dont think about it. There are lots of nasty stuff out there... even on your skin so I just dont think about that bacteria stuff!!