Despite "5,000 things that could go wrong," the Dallas City Council has approved allowing dogs on the patios of restaurants that want them there.

ADVERTISEMENT

Big D lawmakers voted 8-5 in favor of a variance of the state law that prohibits animals on restaurant premises, the Dallas Morning News reported Thursday.

Although Councilwoman Angela Hunt hailed the passing of her proposal as a "terrific way to improve the quality of life," Mayor Mayor Laura Miller -- who voted against the variance -- warned, "There are 50,000 things that will go wrong."

Another opponent said although he is a pet lover, "I don't want to go to a restaurant and see a dog going to the bathroom there."

Restaurants that decide to allow pets on their patios will have to make sure none of the dogs sit or stand on tables or chairs; have any contact with plates, utensils or restaurant staff; and must clean the patio every half hour with separate cleaning equipment than the inside restaurant.

"If you read these things literally, they are not enforceable," Miller said. "It's unworkable and silly."