ARE we barking up the wrong tree?

We posed the question of whether readers think that dogs should be allowed in all pubs and restaurants.

This question sparked a lively debate on our Facebook page, with Phillip Flip Casey saying: "Restaurants no. Pubs yes if they have a large play area for them to play in."

Liv Cotton posted: "Not in food places NO" and Ange Hughes stated: "Absolutely not! Dog friendly pubs and restaurants are great but are not for all."

Julie Hughes stated: "Most dogs behave better than some adults. Yes they should be allowed or many business are going to lose a lot of money because lots of people have dogs!!"

Meanwhile, Joe Davies posted: "Should be alternative pubs for people who have allergies or phobias so even as a dog owner no I don’t think that is possible."

Jamie Wyn Edwards said: "Yeah, as long as the owners have control and are responsible about it.

"Granted not every building can accommodate, pubs would be better off than a restaurant.

"But overall yes they should be allowed. I've seen far better behaved dogs than most adults and kids when going out."

Gina Ross was fully supportive and posted: "Absolutely, when abroad, dogs are accepted in bars and restaurants.

"Nobody seems to mind. In Northumberland when on holiday last year every time we asked if our dog was allowed in the cafe/restaurant everyone said yes. They even seemed to look at us as if we'd asked a stupid question."

This was a viewpoint echoed by Deborah Tierney, who posted: Absolutely if they’re well behaved dogs like mine... dogs are family just like children... some are better behaved."

However, Mike Whiting stated: "As a dog owner myself, I say NO. Only guide dogs should be allowed in these types of premises."

This was not the opinion of Chris Bell, who said: "Yes most definitely... Our dogs behave better than lots of people."

Meanwhile, Amanda Sykes stated: "Depends on the dog.

"If it's a nervous dog and is going to bark the whole time you're having your meal.. No.

"It's not fair to the customer or the dog. If it's a calm and relaxed dog then I don't see the issue, although I don't suffer allergies. I may have a different view if I did."

There were opposing views from Lisa Hoggins, who said "Definitely" and Jason Wyn Davies, who posted: "Definitely NOT."

And Andy Garner stated: "What about cats? They have feelings too you know!"