Today, we wish to discuss an issue that touches the hearts of many - our dogs. 

For years, pubs and cafés around Australia have (at their own discretion) welcomed well-behaved, local dogs. "Dog friendly" is a part of our culture; it's a piece of what makes some neighborhoods unique, and I dare say, something many of us have come to take for granted.  It's a widely loved tradition that boosts the economy, and provides a sense of warmth and well-being within the community.

It came to my attention that my local Council had sent letters to a number of pubs in Melbourne, stating that "Recent inspections and complaint investigations by Council's Environmental Health Officers has led to a need to clarify the law on whether pet dogs are permitted in food premises."

They continued, stating that "despite the growth in 'dog friendly' activities, the law still prohibits live animals, including dogs, from being in any food handling area of any food premises."  This includes any outdoor area that can only be entered through an enclosed space, or areas where people might wait for a takeaway coffee, etc...

Their reasoning was a fear of contamination: "animals can carry germs that can contaminate food", they say.

I began this petition to amplify the voices of my community, and provice council with a clear picture of our feelings of residents and business owners.  Since it gained movement, and was presented to council, we have gained the backing of health and food safety legal experts, such as Susan McLeod of La Trobe University. Their opinion is this: dogs pose a negligible risk, which is far outweighed by the benefit to the communities mental health and overall well-being.

We all know that polite, healthy dogs aren't going to make you sick - they live in our homes, sleep in our beds, and accompany us everywhere.  Our health is not suffering as a result.

Our position is this - businesses that wish to welcome their patron's dogs should be free to do so, at their own discretion.  

We initially brought this petition before council at over 11,000 signatures, accompanied by the written sentiments of thousands of individuals - both business owners and residents alike.  Due to this overwhelming public response, they've elected to support us in an effort to push for a broader change, across the nation..!

Join us in the fight for lasting change..  We believe that a scientific approach will show that dogs do not pose a significant health risk, and that they can and should be allowed inside businesses that voluntarily choose to welcome them.

Together, we can show that our dog-friendly culture is not just a privilege; it's who we are, and businesses shouldn't suffer for it. 

Thank you for your support!