Dining with Doggies in Dallas

The Dallas City Council approved an ordinance this week that allows dogs to join their owners on restaurants' outside patios. This is not a requirement; any restaurant who wishes to do so will have to apply for a permit and follow certain rules:

According to Dallas' ordinance, restaurants allowed to welcome dogs onto their patios must:

• Provide a separate entrance for outdoor patio

• Post signs that they are a “dog-friendly” restaurant

• Install curtains separating inside of a restaurant from its patio

• Prohibit dogs from going inside the restaurant and from sitting or standing on outdoor tables or chairs

• Prevent dogs from touching restaurant serving staff

So what do you think--is this a good idea or a bad idea? Other than the possibility of having your dinner spoiled by seeing someone else's dog do its business while you're eating, I can't see much of a downside to at least giving this a try. Restaurant owners and newspaper readers have already sounded off on the subject, and you can do so too, in the comments.

UPDATE: In a related story, a proposed ordinance in Washington state would allow dogs to join their owners in bars.

More animal stories, part 1: Residents of Pennsyvlania (about half an hour northwest of Pittsburgh) were surprised to see a wallaby hopping around town.

More animal stories, part 2: A Florida man has taught his pet parakeet to dunk a tiny basketball and tip in a golf putt. (Incidentally, the bird has its own MySpace page.)

More animal stories, part 3: A British farm worker required medical attention after he was attacked by a herd of pigs.