Park Slope Is Fighting Back Against the DOH Crackdown on Dogs at Neighborhood Bar The Gate

When the Health Departmen hit Park Slope bar and dog hangout The Gate with a fine and a strong warning to keep dogs out of the space last week, the action struck a chord with neighbors and dog-lovers. A petition on the blog Park Slope Pet has garnered 472 signatures and a letter of support from the community board's district manager. The petition is aimed at changing the health code, which currently doesn't distinguish between businesses that serve food from those that only serve beverages.  A health department rep. told DNAinfo that the ban on pouches in bars is also there because:

There is no easy way to determine if a dog is up to date on their vaccinations or if they have been dewormed....Dogs can also carry dander and fleas and may shed, which could exacerbate allergies among a significant number of people.

Still, The Gate has been welcoming dogs into the bar since 1997, so the sharp crackdown is a bit surprising. Owner of The Gate, Bobby Gagnon will appear at a hearing on November 18.