Big dog discrimination
I try to limit myself to one good snarl a month, so forgive me for growling twice the same day.
But some big-dog discrimination has surfaced on the West Coast, and if there's one thing I can't abide it's big- dog discrimination -- possibly because I have a 130-pounder myself, possibly because I fear weight limits for dogs could lead to weight limits for people and then where would I be? (Probably at McDonald's.)
Patricia Tomlin was taking her Great Dane to the park at the center of Americana at Brand, a new and pretentiously named outdoor mall in the heart of Glendale, Calif. But her pleasant evening stroll was interrupted by a security guard who told her that her big dog had to go.
"He informed us that if you cannot carry the dog you cannot bring the dog in," Tomlin said in a letter to the Glendale News Press. "I feel by telling me my dog is not allowed that this is size discrimination. You either let all dogs in or no dogs at all."
What makes this extra snarl-worthy is that the mall surrounds a two-acre public park, the only entrance to which is through the grounds and privately owned roadways of the mall. The big-dog ban applies to pets over 25 pounds, according to this Los Angeles Times blog entry.
To see our archived "Snarls," and our collection of "Wags," scroll down the right side rail of this page and look in the "Categories" section.
(Los Angeles Times photo)
Comments
Snarl. I guess that means a 15" Beagle qualifies as a big dog. How can they deny any citizen access to a public park? Seems dodgy to me, and I hate to say it, but I'd probably sue somebody.
Posted by: Anne | May 14, 2008 4:47 PM
I can understand the annoyance of large dog owners. I have a great dane and lets just say that finding apartment buildings, hotels, etc is nearly impossible. Why? Because these places usually only have "small dog" policy. How is this NOT discrimination??
As for them restricting access to a public park, I'm not a sue happy person, but I would definitely be sirring up the issue. The problem with humans is how they place many unnecessary rules on God's green earth - we share it with many other critters, people!! Whats next, not allowing wild birds into the park because they are "too loud" and poop on things?
Posted by: Annette | May 24, 2008 12:30 PM
Big dog discrimination is seen across the US. You cant get an apartment, you cant go places - the dog is too big. I think its time we organized to change these stupid laws - I agree with Annette - there are too many laws made up by people who think that humans are the only species that should have any rights.
Posted by: Alexandra Mandis | May 26, 2008 6:35 PM
If they allow dogs...it should be all dogs! I have a great dane as well, and seveeral chihuahuas. I would NEVER bring my chihuahuas...they are more dangerous than my dane!
This is equvilent for an obese person being told they cannot eat at a buffett....it happens all the time! DISCRIMINATION!
Posted by: jenny | May 27, 2008 10:41 AM
I just got turned down for a rental unit with one of the most ridiculous excuses. Not because I own a dog, but because I'm planning to get a puppy. Full grown, the puppy would only be about 25 lbs, but that didn't matter. Dogs are allowed for that unit, but apparently not puppies.
Posted by: John | July 21, 2009 4:22 AM
I just todat was discriminated by a rental agency. She first claimed that there was a $5oo per pet policy in that location. Later she called and said that they would not rent to us at all at any location because she had heard that my dogs were "big and scarry to people when they walk past our fence". I have a 120 lb Rhodesian Ridgeback and a 80 lb Rhodesian mix they have never hurt anyone or anything but they do bark at people walking past. They are doing their job! People will think twice about entering my property unannounced, someting I enjoy. However they are not aggressive, just vocal. I live in a small town and now I have few options for rentals now. This rental agency has the majority of rentals in my area. This is discrimintaion due to size of dog not dogs themselves. I wish I had some recourse
Posted by: Toad | August 25, 2009 8:12 PM
Having breeds such as Staffies and APBTs, my dogs are discriminated against on a daily basis. It is infuriating, and ridiculous that they do so much against size!
I am so glad I have a house, and not worry about crappy apartment rules anymore. I'm sorry for those who still do. This is even more annoying because it is a public park!
Posted by: Vera | August 26, 2009 11:01 PM