Recession opens doors for Italy's dogs
Number of shopkeepers allowing in mutts up 76% since 2005
31 August, 17:28
(ANSA) - Rome, August 31 - The economic recession might have
shut down opportunities for many people but it has at least
opened doors for Italy's dogs and their owners to the nation's
shops.Hard times seem to have forced Italian shopkeepers to be less picky and take down their No Dogs Allowed signs, according to a survey which said the number of retail outlets admitting man's best friend has increased 76% since 2005.
The AIDAA animal rights association said that just 694 of 3,500 shops it surveyed barred dogs, compared to 2,600 five years ago.
What's more, it said almost all of the stores barring the pets were places where food was sold.
It also found that 206 of 500 supermarkets and shopping centres it polled allowed pooches into some areas, while almost all banned them totally in 2005. AIDAA said dogs have the hardest time getting into shops in Rome, Venice and Florence.
