A Hahndorf café’s campaign to restore its indoor dog-friendly policy has attracted strong community support, with thousands backing a petition calling for the decision to be reversed.
The owner of Same But Different Café Kelly Hunter says a single complaint from a community member earlier this year led to dogs no longer being allowed indoors at the venue, ending a policy that had been in place for three and a half years.
That prompted her to start a Change.org petition which has now garnered more than 2,800 signatures.
“Over the past few days we have been overwhelmed by the support from our community and the media with interviews across TV and radio sharing our story,” Ms Hunter wrote on Facebook.
Her petition states the policy has created “a joyful environment where customers delight in seeing dogs inside” and claims some visitors travel specifically to the café to enjoy the experience with their pets.
Supporters argue the dog-friendly approach had become part of the café’s identity and a drawcard for visitors travelling to Hahndorf with their pets.
“It is absolutely horrendous that a single complaint after three and a half years has forced changes to the processes at your beautiful dog-friendly café,” supporter Sharon wrote on the petition page.
Another supporter, Suzanne, also shared her thoughts.
“For many of us, our dogs are family, and having a place where they are not just allowed but embraced makes a real difference to our daily lives,” she wrote.
Mount Barker District Council says the issue is governed by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, rather than a local council policy.
“Council’s Environmental Health Officers are required to enforce the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which applies consistently across Australia and New Zealand,” General Manager Planning and Community Natalie Armstrong said in a statement.
“Under this national code, animals are not permitted inside food premises, except for accredited assistance animals in dining and drinking areas.”
Council says officers acted after receiving information that a dog had been inside the premises.
“In this instance, Council officers acted following information recently provided to Council regarding a dog being present inside the food premises,” Ms Armstrong said.
“This issue had not previously been raised with Council and had not been identified during earlier inspections.”
Council says it understands the café has strong community support, but says it cannot make exceptions under national food safety laws.
Ms Hunter said she has written to SA Health on the matter and is awaiting a response.
