The bill that would allow dogs in the outdoor areas of restaurants in New York State has now passed both chambers of the state legislature after getting the OK from the state Assembly today. [Open Senate] [AOA] [NYDN]
Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.
For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.
When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)
This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)
Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)
If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)
Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)
My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.
...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley
...has 4 comments, most recently from mg
...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle
...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark
...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine
Comments
Just one more indication that our state legislature is going to the dogs. ;-)
... said chezjake on Jun 16, 2015 at 2:05 PM | link
I love dogs but would not share my eating space with one. What a waste of time.
... said Harold on Jun 16, 2015 at 4:06 PM | link
Some dogs can go anywhere. Other dogs shouldn't be let out of their own back yard. Usually, the reason for the dog's behavior, good or bad, is the dog's owner. No one will be harmed by a small, well-trained dog's presence in the outdoor area of a restaurant. After all, the owner and the dog could be on the adjacent sidewalk and no objection can be raised. If the owner is attentive and in control, you might not ever know there's a dog present.
However, clueless, irresponsible, self-indulgent dog owners with large, aggressive, untrained dogs will make hash of this, should it come to fruition. They do it on sidewalks. They do it in dog parks. They will do it here. But that's no reason not to change the law. The restaurant owners will simply have to be pro-active in managing their spaces, but that's okay. It is their job to do so.
... said Dot Beech on Jun 16, 2015 at 6:45 PM | link
YUCK. I'm kind of in disbelief right now that soon, dogs will be sitting next to me on the ground, panting and drooling while I'm trying to enjoy the food I'm *paying* for in a *restaurant*. If you aren't a dog person, that's one more area where you can't go and do something without having to share that space with an *animal*.
What this means for me is that soon, I may no longer be utilizing the outdoor space in eating establishments. Once they start allowing dogs inside restaurants because no person should have to be separated from their best friend (even for the duration of the time it takes to eat a meal), I may no longer patronize those eating establishments at all. I certainly wouldn't want to inconvenience anyone, but some people do have limits. On the other hand, I might purposely seat myself next to you and spend the duration of the meal breaking wind, or burping. I can pretty much manufacture either on demand. ;-)
... said thatwasobvious on Jun 16, 2015 at 10:43 PM | link
What is so hard about reading comprehension with you people? The bill doesn't mean that dogs will be sitting next to you at every restaurant now and forever. It just means that certain restaurants (with outdoor dining options) will be allowed to decide for themselves if they would like to allow dogs. Some will, most probably won't.
Relax. You'll be fine.
... said guy on Jun 17, 2015 at 11:57 AM | link
The true measure of our civilization is how we treat our children, our elderly and our animals... I guess we took a step forward.
... said Joe A on Jun 17, 2015 at 12:41 PM | link
It makes me laugh, seeing the hysteric overreactions from people opposing it. Not just referencing above, but old comments when this first was reported in the TU and elsewhere. Next there will be a law allowing dogs in movie theaters! You just KNOW they will forget to silence their cell phones. UGH.
Get a grip. Dot Beech pretty much nailed it above although the size of the dog doesn't really have anything to do with the behavior. Maybe it takes up more space, inconveniencing patrons?
... said Jeff D on Jun 17, 2015 at 2:28 PM | link