'Ban children, not dogs' - Sunderland reacts to Wetherspoons barring dogs from all of its pubs
That's the reaction of a number of Echo readers as Wetherspoons introduces its dog ban all its branches, citing the "unpredictable" nature of the pets.
But dog-lovers were quick to defend their canine friends, pointing out humans were arguably worse.
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Hide AdCommenting on our Facebook page, Michelle Meir said: "I think you will find it the customers that are unpredictable not dogs."
Shopalot Jill said: "Some of the people need banning I stood next to a guy who spat on the floor a few times and never got kicked out."
Emma Pyle said: "I think most dogs are better behaved than humans. Defo their loss, and thereare a lot of dog-friendly pubs."
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Hide AdCarole Welsh My daughter has a phobia of dogs.Why should she and people who are allergic or afraid have to put up with them ?
As the Wetherspoons ban came into force today, company spokesman said Eddie Gershon the family chain is mindful that "younger children in particular can be unpredictable around dogs and many are scared of dogs".
But readers commenting on our Facebook page didn't pull any punches when it came to this point.
Felicity Yarrow said: "The 10-year-old boys running amok are worse than any of the dogs!"
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Hide AdChris Hall said: "I cant stand other peoples children but they don't get banned."
Carole Welsh said: "My daughter has a phobia of dogs.Why should she and people who are allergic or afraid have to put up with them?"
However, she did add: "Children shouldn't be in pubs either.Its a place for adults to get away from their kids, not have to put up with other people's, so I'm with you on that one."
Linda Johnson said: "Some customers can be more bother than dogs! Our meal was ruined by noisy kids running riot."
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Hide AdHowever, some comments did defend the decision by Wetherspoons.
Tony Isles said: "Good news: pubs serving food and dogs don't mix. I could never understand pubs, boasting they are dog friendly, absolutely unhygienic."
Gerard Kirby said: "I’m a dog owner but if food is being served dog should only be allowed in designated areas , not in areas where food is served and eaten."
Heidi Morrison said: "I'm no animal hater ( nor a lover of them either) but I don't think animals should be allowed in any place where food and drinks are served other than assistance dogs.
"To be fair, I think half of the humans who populate these places on a weekend are probably far worse a problem!"