Dear Editor,

I write to you following your October 17 story about the Court House Hotel in Port Douglas banning dogs from sitting outside the establishment while their owners eat and drink.

(In my opinion) dogs belong in their backyard and not around cafes and pubs etc. Consider a small child sitting at a table opposite a Rottweiler - disaster is next.

I've seen three German Shepherds at one table. I’ve also seen dogs sitting in their own chair and being fed off a plate.

I’ve also witnessed staff providing water bowls, patting the dogs and then failing to wash their hands. Bunnings, for example, appear to ignore their own rules concerning dogs in stores.

We're bowing to the trendy minority, while businesses think they are growing they business.

Congratulations to pubs with no dogs. 

Regards, Danny Cooper

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Further community reaction re the ban

I disagree with this pub's decision.  Our dogs live in our homes with us, why should they be banned from public venues? 

My dog goes everywhere with me and I know every dog friendly establishment. I just won't patronise any place that won't allow dogs

Rhonnie Wenden-King

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I personally don't like eating out next to someone who has a dog. 

The dog wanders over for a pat, I've seen waiters whilst on duty pat the dogs and without washing their hands, they continue to serve customers.  

I don't eat out in places where animals are allowed for this reason plus whilst eating in an outdoor restaurant two dogs started fighting.  

It wasn't a very pleasant outing. 

Eunice