Restaurant patios should allow dogs, says Vancouver pet owner

A Vancouver dog owner has started an online petition toconvince health authorities to allow pooches on restaurant patios.

Danielle Bauer says she used to be able to take her little dog Beanswith her when she ate at certain restaurant patios in Yaletown in downtown Vancouver.

But she saysin the last few weeks she's noticeda change.

"They literally overnight were going, 'Sorry, we hate to tell you this, but we can't have dogs on patios anymore, the health inspector has come by and given us warnings,'" said Bauer.

Vancouver Coastal Health saysits inspectors just enforce the province'sPublic Health Act's Food Premises regulations, whichprohibitanimals in restaurants.

The only exceptions areguide animals, live fish in an aquariums, and other animals that a health officer determines will not pose a risk.

Other jurisdictions are more lenient;California passed a law last year allowing dogs on patios with some conditions.

Bauer's online petition argues for the same leniency in B.C.

"Leave the decision as to whether dogs can be on patios up to restaurant owners," said Bauer.

VOTE: Should dogs be allowed on restaurant patio?