Service dogs shouldn't be allowed at buffets

To the editor:

Re: 'Buffet ban lifted for service dog,' News, Aug. 12.

The article in The Mirror remind me why our family always goes to nearby Pickering/Ajax/Whitby for our meals.

While I understand the need in certain situations to allow a service dog to accompany its master in public areas- restaurants included - their presence near or at open self-serve food establishments clearly has to be an exception.

In a restaurant where the food is prepared in the kitchen, the presence of a canine presents no clear health risk to other patrons. But a larger dog - as service animals have to be - clearly violates my human rights to a reasonably sanitary dining experience.

We are regular patrons of the Ajax Imperial Buffet and know the operation. The self-serve area is no place for dogs. Period. Our family would leave this buffet if we happened by and had to share our food selection in close proximity to a service dog. Political correctness should not extend to this health-risk issue. I wouldn't allow our pet into our dining room with guests, and I expect the restaurants I'm at to likewise restrict animals from the food preparation/serving area.

Manager Peyton Kong was entirely correct in his actions, unless the patron with the dog was selecting menu items to be served to her without having to visit the self-serve area. If the dog remains under the table of the owner - no problem - but to expect the public to put itself at risk by accepting the canine be permitted total access to all areas of the restaurant is ludicrous.

The manager's offer to have someone help her was both appropriate and generous. But of course, Snyder had to have everything her way or file a rights violations.

If Toronto allows this, then I'm glad I eat elsewhere.

Ian Craig