Several more readers submitted letters to Ocala-News.com to share their thoughts on whether or not pets should be allowed in local stores.
Last month, Publix made national headlines when the company reinforced its “no pets allowed” policy at locations across the southeast, including stores in Ocala/Marion County.
“I’m on the side opposed to pets being allowed everywhere. I won’t even book a hotel that’s “pet friendly.” I have witnessed many a permissive pooch’s owner allowing their prized canine to drag it’s butt down the carpeted hallway, or worse. The owners somehow think that its cruel to stop their animal from doing what it wants to do. It’s pure irresponsibility. They’re just too lazy to train their dog. I’m also concerned that our country is on an irreversible downward slide demographically since we now have more “pets” than children. The birth rate will soon hit the point of no return. Wake up young people, your Schnauzer isn’t going to take care of you in your old age,” says Ocala resident Gerard Phipps.
“My pets are cleaner than most people doing the complaining, as long as pets are controlled, which mine always are. They should be allowed any place they want to go – they’re like children to us, so I’m sick and tired of hearing people complain about pets not being allowed in stores. There are a lot of people that shouldn’t be allowed in stores,” says Yvette Vank, Ocala resident.
“Publix has adopted a policy of no dogs except service dogs in their stores and some people are very upset because they can’t take FiFi shopping. Unless FiFi is a service dog, she doesn’t belong in any stores except PetSmart. I was in Lowe’s yesterday and a man had his Yorkie on a leash going up and down the aisles when the dog stopped, raised his leg, and peed on a light bulb display. The man didn’t bother to clean it up, just went on his way, and it was left to me to find an employee to take care of it. Many people are allergic to dogs, and dogs can carry fleas, which is a health hazard. People need to recognize that stores and restaurants have the right to adopt any policy they see fit, or they can choose not to shop in that particular store,” says Ocala resident Linda Baumgartner.