Current legislation bans dogs accompanying their owners visiting cafes and restaurants, even if it’s OK with the proprietor.
On October 10th, MPs are to debate a proposal from pro-nature and animals party PAN, the Left Bloc and The Greens to allow pets to enter catering establishments as well as guide dogs, which already are allowed in.
A petition sent to parliament by PAN’s only MP, André Silva, collected more than 5,569 signatures and there now is support for the initiative from the other two parties.
The objective is to change the legislation of 2015 (Decree-Law 10) so that pet owners do not have to leave dogs tied up outside, loose on the street or sitting in the car.
The petitioners claim that similar measures already are in force in most European Union countries.
"It is up to the owners of commercial establishments to decide," writes PAN.
The Left Bloc wants establishments to set aside an area where pets can be with their owners.
The establishment would have “a specific area where pets are allowed and another one where they are not," petitions the Left Bloc, but only if the restaurateur or cafe owner wants to adopt the law.
The Greens say there should be safeguards covering the size and behaviour of animals in restaurants so they do not cause inconvenience to other customers.
