Australia has some of the harshest rules of 1st world countries around accessing cafes with dogs.  *We have the 18th highest rate of dog ownership in the world with $7 billion pa spend on dogs Australia wide.  Two in five (38%) of households in Australia own a dog.  50% of Australians live in a house with at least one cat and/or dog while only 35% of households are shared with a child under 16.

As the current laws stand, inside access for dogs is restricted to assistance dogs only.  General access is limited to outside areas which can be enclosed with non permanent walls i.e bistro blinds and other external partitioning.  Many outside areas are of an almost permanent aspect making the prohibition of dogs inside an arbitrary argument.  This petition supports an "opt" in and not an "opt" out approach for business owners to participate or not with specific signage to support same.

In the EU where dogs are allowed in cafes it is noted in the legislature that: ^"Adequate procedures are to be in place to control pests. Adequate procedures are also to be in place to prevent domestic animals from having access to places where food is prepared, handled or stored (or, where the competent authority so permits in special cases, to prevent such access from resulting in contamination)."

Additional studies in New Zealand have shown that having dogs in areas where food or drinks are served poses no risk to human health.  Currently, local shires complete an annual site check on all food production/service providers ensuring no additional expenditure or man hours would be required to support these changes.

Covid has had a detrimental affect on the mental health of our nation, with lock downs limiting access to fundamental social activities.  In an emerging covid normal world, the timing of changes to our legislature to allow for greater freedoms in relation to these regulations couldn't be more opportune.  We are a very social nation with a huge cafe culture.  Those businesses that opt in to allow access to our furry friends will undoubtedly benefit financially as well as providing a community service.

Statistical sources:

* Vet Voice Australia, Canstar

^EU Regulations (EC) No 852/2004, Annex II, Chapter IX – Provisions applicable to foodstuffs (4)