Should dogs be banned from restaurants?

I AM allergic to animals so, by default, I am not welcome in any eating establishments that allow dogs (Letters).

I picked up fleas from the soft furnishings in one cafe, have been put off my food by doggie smells and had a nice meal disturbed by barking. The struggling hospitality industry is losing my custom.

E. DOWNING, Ringwood, Hants. MY TWO rescue dogs suffered from separation anxiety, so came along when I dined out. They were wellbehaved and stayed quietly under the table. The only complaints I received were from the parents of unruly children who ran around and wouldn’t leave the dogs alone. The majority of restaurants don’t allow dogs, so if you don’t want to eat where they are welcome, ask to be placed in a non-pet area. PAULINE BARBER, Enfield, Middlesex. I USED to own a lovely spaniel so I’m not anti-dog, but I don’t want other people’s pets around me while I’m eating.

At one pub, I had to step over a dog to get to my table, as did the waitress who served my food. Only guide dogs should be allowed in eating places.

SUE O’NEIL, Wisbech, Cambs. ONCE it was considered unhygienic to take your pets to cafes and restaurants, but now you need to make a special request not to be seated close to them. If you do, you’ll end up with a bad table.

I don’t feel comfortable around dogs, but can’t escape them.

I am shocked when I see owners feeding them by hand while eating their own meal.

ANNA BROOKS, Harrogate, N. Yorks. I KNOW not everyone likes dogs in eating areas, but sometimes it’s not possible to leave our four-legged friends at home. My assistance dog Kelly goes everywhere with me. When I eat out, I take her food and water bowls, and she never moves from under my table.

ANGELA WHITAKER, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, N. Yorks.

MY LOCAL pub has a dog food menu. Words fail me. MIKE JAKINS, Ash, Surrey.