Chapel St pet-friendly campaign sparks anger among councillors
It started as a light-hearted TV segment promoting a Chapel St campaign embracing shoppers and their furbabies. But now it’s sparked a hairy showdown with two local law-abiding councillors.
Inner East
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A dogfight has erupted over a campaign encouraging pet owners to bring their furry friends to the Chapel St strip.
A segment on Bondi Vet Dr Kate Adams’ TV show promoting the shopping area’s Paw on the Door campaign showed one cafe allowing people to bring dogs inside to watch a hot-dog eating competition.
Traders supporting the campaign put stickers on their doors signifying that they welcome pets.
But the promotion infuriated Stonnington councillor Sally Davis, who said it encouraged people to flout food safety laws.
“Under the State Government Food Act, this is illegal — I was upset because the onus is now on council to re-educate the community as animals can’t enter food premises unless it’s an assistance dog,” Cr Davis raged.
Likewise, Cr Marcia Griffin said it was against local law to bring pets into cafes or shops that sold food, therefore “it seems to be inappropriate for councillors to be promoting this campaign”.
But other councillors, and the Chapel Street Precinct Association, hit back at the criticism. They said the program was revitalising the region by increasing foot traffic, and said traders were fully aware of the law regarding animals and food outlets and only allowing dogs in outdoor eating areas.
“We are standing defiant that our Australian first, heartwarming Paw-on-the-Door pet-friendly initiative has been nothing but loved and totally embraced by thousands in our progressive community,” CSPA general manager Chrissie Maus said.
“This paw-some campaign has united our community and simply brought joy to many of our businesses and visitors.
“This move for Chapel Street Precinct to become the first and largest pet-friendly destination has already delivered increased shopper foot traffic since the launch three weeks ago.”
“You can see people getting their hair done with their dog on their lap, people going into the bank with their pooch, JB HiFi, art galleries and even buying lingerie with their kitty cat.”
Ms Maus said they had been contacted by other retail precincts hoping to follow suit.
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Mayor Steve Stefanopoulos said the pet-friendly campaign had been successful and the council was working with CSPA to ensure their members were fully aware of their obligations under the Victorian Public Health Act, the Domestic Animals Act and the Stonnington Local Law.
A verbal spat between Cr Davis and Cr Melina Sehr, in which Cr Davis called Cr Sehr a b***h over her support of the campaign has also been reported to the mayor.
Cr Davis said she has apologised for the outburst which Cr Sehr said left her distressed.