Critic deems Florida law a bit of a dog's breakfast

Associated Press
Published: Sunday, June 04, 2006
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- At age one, Theo had already turned to a life of crime.

The tiny Yorkie would sneak into restaurants inside his owner's bag, usually undetected, but he and Marcy Richardson were occasionally kicked out.

Now Richardson, 26, and Theo can stop worrying and start chowing down.

On Friday, Gov. Jeb Bush signed the so-called "doggie dining" bill, which allows counties to let restaurants permit dogs to eat with their owners -- outside.

Florida health regulations previously prevented all dogs except service animals from joining patrons al fresco, although several restaurants ignored the rules until local regulators started cracking down last year.

And not everyone supports the bill. Orlando resident George Jones said he thinks legally allowing dogs to dine in public is "the most ignorant thing I've ever seen."

"They eat well, but they don't eat with me," said Jones, 51.

Representative Sheri McInvale, an Orlando Republican, filed the bill after some complained they were threatened with fines.

Bush said the bill will allow dog lovers and their pets to "have a brewski together, have a hot dog together or whatever they want outdoors."

"It just seems like it's a small thing but it's going to be an important thing for a whole lot of people," he said.