I agree with Wilbur!

I hate dogs. What if one of those critters bite someone.....will the City be responsible?

Lawrence sucks. Stupid hipipies!

I'm a dog owner, and probably care more about my dog than I do most other things, but I can see why they might want to prohibit dogs at the farmers' market. Never mind the risk of fighting/biting, but a lot of male dogs I know (including mine) have a propensity to lift their leg on any somewhat vertical object--it's like a game for them. I just don't see that being appropriate at a place where food is being sold.

I love the idea of a combined walk the dog/tool around the farmers' market outing, but the reality of it dictates that they're probably best done separately. Granted, I'm sure there are some very well-behaved dogs that wouldn't pose a problem, but trying to enforce letting some dogs in and not others would be a nightmare.

Can't take a (non-service) dog into Checkers or Hy-Vee--why should the farmers' market be any different?

I agree with dano!

tnt - it's not about taking away rights to all of us. What about the people who want the right to stroll around, buy produce (or whatever) without dealing with animals? I feel like I am giving up a clean environment downtown when I have to look at and smell all the dog crap everywhere. Dogs don't belong everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"mild incidents, such as blocking traffic"

And, by the way, if you want to ban stuff that "blocks traffic" how about strollers and those jogging strollers? Do that so I can't bring my grandson OR my dog!

When I lived in Lawrence, one of my greatest delights was when I would walk my dog to the farmers market. She kept to my side on a short leash, never jumped on anyone, never barked, never pee'd or poop'd...just walked with me and stopped when I stopped. She didn't 'block traffic' and she was never in anyones way. I think in all the years I went...maybe two people ever pet her because they simply didn't notice her because she was so quiet.

Here in Chicago there are endless opportunities to hang with your dog in public. Bars, beaches, even restaurants that makes stuff for your dog that looks like the food you are eating! Now if we could just allow dogs on the trains....

I do not understand people that walk their mean dogs in super public places. Sasha(my dog) was attacked numerous times in lawrence and chicago by owners walking their bad ones. and no, they were never pit bulls.

If you have a 'mean' dog,or one that pee's on things a lot...leave it at home.

If you have a sweet dog with no hangups...then bring it everywhere that is allowed!

A couple things:

-Isn't it usually the law that you have to clean up after your dog in public spaces? If it isn't here, then it should be, and should be enforced.

-If you think your dog gets too excited or mean, or if there are circumstances to bite or steal (I've heard stories of three year olds waving food in front of a dog's face, ends with an unhappy kid missing her snack), then there are wonderful devices meant to help. They're called muzzles. They're designed so the dog isn't in discomfort but can't bite at things.

My wife and I just adopted a dog a couple weeks ago, something we've wanted to do for the longest time, but never felt comfortable with the idea of a dog in an apartment. Our new dog is actually a greyhound, and we have been looking forward to taking her out places: dog park, pet store, farmer's market, random walks around town. And whenever there is going to be many other dogs, in order to protect her, we plan on muzzling her. Also, when we have brought her on a small trip, we've made sure she goes to the bathroom at home first. A dog with an empty bladder and has just done number 2 is less likely to make a mess in a public spot!

mom of three- I think you've hit on the crux of the problem.

Happily, the Farmer's Market is once again too big for the space it's in. It used to be over on Vt St, and got big, now it's on NH and the location is just too crowded for the market and the attendees.

Yes- if you get there at 7 you won't hit a crowd, but from 9 or so til close it's jam packed. We took one of our dogs one time this past year and what a disaster! Poor thing was nearly trompled by people and rolled over by strollers. She gets to stay home now. ;)

Perhaps a move to South Park for the whole market would be in order.

They should put it to a vote by the vendors. If you have ever been a vendor, you would most likely say they should not be allowed. I have been a vendor, when the dog fights happen, (many times a day), you can see a parting of potential sales as customers move quickly away from your tables. When you have witnessed fluffy and spots owners say time and time again, they are sorry about that and their dear little four legged friend never does that. Not to mention that you should never leave boxes or crates under your tables. I would never buy from a vendor that does, because too many spots have left spots on crates of produce

They should not allow anything other than service animals in the market. I don't dislike dogs, I just don't like yours

Wow. All these posts are making me rethink the whole FM event. And infidel, wow.

Here's my list of banned things for the Farmer's Market: All animals (including the vendor I saw with an iguana), Jugglers (what if they drop a ball and it hits me?), Dreadlocks (that CAN'T be sanitary!), Strollers and jogging strollers (they block the path), Children in diapers (they sometimes smell and it makes me not want to buy food), Children who touch stuff with dirty hands (I guess we could ask parents to handcuff them), Vendors who don't wear those latex free gloves when handling foods, Wooden food crates (splinters!) Cooked food that doesn't clearly have a HOT! warning label, All cooking (those appliances could fall over and burn me), Pies (have you NEVER watched a 3 Stooges film?), Live music (some of it is too loud and hurts my ears; some is too soft and I grow disturbed trying to hear it), Cyclists in spandex (Should my grandchild really be exposed to that!), Meat (offensive to vegetarians), Eggs and cheese (offensive to vegans), What about the Elk vendor with the antlers? A child could poke his/her eye out on those things!

This list is probably not exhaustive. Please feel free to add something that will alleviate your fears.

Oh Texburgh, you have stolen my heart with this, "I am diligent about cleaning up if they an 'issue.'”

"Issue". The poor word's neutrality is being lost as it is being turned into a synonym for "problem". You, however, have employed another of the word's legitimate meanings in some clever word play. Thanks.

Not only should they ban the dogs because of misbehavior but also the people who bring the misbehaving dog. If they don't have enough common sense to figure out that they shouldn't have a dog there with the propensity to bite, they don't need to be there either.

Seriously, why is it so hard for people to understand that if there dog displays aggressive behavior that they shouldn't bring the dog!?!?

Also, why is it so hard for people to be considerate of others. Dog's blocking traffic.... People, do you not realize that you are NOT the only people on the planet? Why is it so hard to engage the brain and think about someone other than yourself for the short time that you are at the market or anywhere else for that matter?

It blows my mind how many people out there display not a single bit of common sense, hence the reason there are laws, rules, bans etc. Those laws, rules, bans etc are there because there are so many inconsiderate people out there in society who desperately lack common sense.

As Dateable_Shelter_Dude and 50YearResident stated, not everyone wants to eat dog excrement, hair and whatever else a dog harbors. I am a dog owner and dog trainer/behaviorist and let me tell you, i have seen dogs roll in the most disgusting things around. Things that will make we humans very ill.

As another poster stated, her dog lifts his leg (by the way, it's not a game, it's them marking their territory and displaying dominance by marking on top of another dogs markers :-) ). I absolutely applaud him/her because he/she has the common sense enough to know that the dog will do that at the market and the solution is to not bring the dog!

I would love to bring my dog to the Farmer's Market for socialization, however, there is food there and other dogs, and quite frankly, I am there to purchase goods and won't be paying attention to the dog or others' dog(s) at all times to thwart any attempts at unacceptable behavior by my or others' dog.

For me, it is absolutely wonderful to see a very well behaved dog and his/her person out enjoying the day. Unfortunately, there are far more people out there with dogs they really don't know what to do with or handle. And that is when the authorities that be must step in and make yet another darn rule to protect the rest of us from those dog owners and their dogs.

In this day and age there is no excuse for ignorance. There is a plethora of information out there on anything you want to know. Books, the internet, groups, professionals, etc. One of the movies my children love to watch is Lilo and Stitch. One of my favorite lines is Plinkly (the little alien) handing a document to another alien and saying, "Here. Educate yourself."

(Stepping down of the soap box and putting it away)

Parrysmom did a good job. I want to say I'm not a dog hater, I have two. But I'm not asking you to accept everything my dogs does into or onto your body unawares. The more dogs you have together the more likely are are to pass dog problems around. Fleas, viruses, bacteria, worms. Sure you take your dog to the vet once a year to get him checked. Then you take him around where another dog has left eggs in it's stool the next week and then you can have hookworms all year depositing them in your own yard just because you took him out into the crowded area with other dogs. Or coccidia, etc.You know how they just love to smell another dogs ickiest poo then lick their noses? That's what does it that lick. They swallow the eggs or bugs right then. Maybe they lick their feet later.

Some enterprising person should sit outside the market and charge to dog watch. $2.00 per dog per hour or something. Bring a lawn chair and sit with 5 dogs on leashes. Or a pick up with some crates in the back, stack them when they arrive for easy access from the back.

CHEESEburger: "The consideration of new rules regarding dogs is likely because of people like people like tnt1985, who believes everyone should love dogs, relish stepping in dog crap, and risk being bitten by dogs not kept under control by their owners."

Did I say ANY of that? Did you have a dream about what I "believe" and then decide to write about it? My issue is that America increasingly accepts the out of control replacing of liberties with whining, complaining, rules, regs, fees, and taxes. It's absurd - and much of it justified by the misrepresentation facts by people like you (and lindseydoyle who thinks a potential dog bite is worth "millions"). Sadly, the few people who genuinely have an issue with this (and not just those who love to complain) should just stay home where they are "safe". Maybe we can get another 1/2 cent or so in sales tax to buy dog proof protective bubbles for people to venture out in. If it's not too late, we can add that to the health care bill - page 3001!

I say move the Farmers Market to Mass Street. 6AM - 11AM

Most stores do not open before 10 AM. Shoppers are not in abundance before noon. Block off two blocks. 7th street to ninth street.

Farmers market patrons can then go out to breakfast after shopping or before....how convenient.

Dogs can be unpredictable in crowded situations. Even the most friendliest of dogs can find themselves in a compromising situation. It is not worth the risk.

Those chihuahuas in the pic are eating as well as their owners. Funny how people's self-conceptions spill over into their pets and children. But...they're eating well.

Bet they wouldn't survive a day in Haiti.

You know, this would not be an issue if EVERY dog owner used their common sense and kept it pleasurable for ALL involved.

Not everyone who attends the Farmer's Market loves dogs or loves YOUR dog.

Use a leash and keep your dog close. Don't let them sniff people or produce. Clean up after them.

Most dog owners are responsible, but there are some who aren't. Those are the ones who spoil it all for the others.

Kind of like The Toy Store or Muncher's Bakery restricting the number of students who can enter their establishment at a given time. Not all students are disruptive, but those that are, spoil it for all students.

First of all, Texburgh, I love you and I thank you for your post. So true.

Second of all, my husband and I own a beautiful Golden Retriever who is quite popular at the Lawrence FM, especially with some of the vendors. We have received wonderful advice from them, not to mention we have spent lots of money purchasing emu and buffalo bones for our dog (you guys are awesome!).

I understand that some people might not have control of their dogs, and that can ruin it for everyone. But I have also seen many adults and children downright rude to the vendors and customers, out of control, and an embarassment as well. My dog has more manners than some of the lamos that are posting on this site. Dogs that are on LEASHES and OUTDOORS is not a violation of city code. Go to your local grocery store if you have a problem with this.

Just reading over some of the posts, seriously people you are afraid of a dog doing a 2, someone picking it up using either one of those contraptions with a bin on the end of a stick or just using a plastic bag, then touching the produce?

1: You do realize that a layer of plastic, usually vinyl or latex, is all that helps prevent pregnancy, STDs, transmitting diseases during surgery, preventing people working in labs from coming in contact with toxins, stores those toxins, and many various other medical/biological uses.

2: All this produce is grown out on fields in farms. Fields in which wild animals can run around. Wild animals could have done their business in those fields. Not to say that this produce is unsafe to eat, except for hydroponically grown produce, the stuff at the grocery store went through the same thing. How do you protect yourself from such things? You wash the produce.

There the concern over the poo getting on the food is done.

About the problems of stressed or aggressive dogs, well, that falls on the shoulders of the owners. Dogs that are agoraphobic or are just aggressive should just be left at home. I know, they're like children to you, but you don't want to risk your dog biting someone's kid.

Lastly, the crowding. It's the farmer's market, it'll be crowded. It's crowded at the Hy-Vee at times. Every try to go down an aisle with a few boisterous kids who aren't paying attention, several elderly people, and frazzled moms who can't decide what sugary cereal they want to feed their kids and just can't get to ones side of the aisle to make room for others to pass? Maybe we should just have a rule saying "If you can't keep the aisle clear, you can't shop at a grocery store," because I just don't want my lettuce and cheese to be at room temperature. Now, I do agree that the peak time at the market is not going to be the best time for dogs to accompany their owners, at least until the area can expand. Perhaps dog owners can come earlier, before large crowds start coming in?

Instead of coming up with new rules, perhaps a new site should be chosen. Back in Carrboro and Durham, NC there were permanent sites with roofing put up over concrete and a large grassy area. Maybe the town can find a spot and build something like that? More space for vendors and customers of all species!

Then it's the last time I attend the market. My dog goes (he's small and better behaved than every darned kid you see running around there) and he always gets to pick out something from one of the vendors selling items for dogs. That's the Saturday routine for many people in town - walk the dog to the market, do some shopping and get a good workout walking home with all the stuff we bought. Hmmm, vendors selling items for dogs. Why would that be? Because there are a lot of very well behaved dogs that go with their owners that made sure they behave. I wish that could be said for the parents who block the walkways, yapping with other parents and letting their kids run all over the place. Oh no, a dog. Guess what? Leave your kids at home and the market would be much better off. I spend a lot of money at the market, but I'll expand my garden instead and will grow more of my own instead of supporting the local farmers. There's also the market in KC that makes ours look like a garage sale. I don't think they realize how many people won't come because of this.

Those that don't like dogs, request they move the market somewhere indoors. It's in a frickin parking lot outside for Christ's sake.

A parking lot that the night before has drunks taking a leak in it. I've seen them have to clean up the parking lot before they can set up on Saturday mornings. And you're concerned about dogs.

Lawrence is becoming JoCo. Those that want JoCo, MOVE THERE! I want my Lawrence back that I moved to 20 years ago. Sadly, it's become frickin suburbia instead of being the cool town is used to be.

I really could go either way, but as a new parent, I'd much rather see no dogs there. It may very well be that your dog is very well behaved, etc., but I don't know that and when it comes to my family's safety, I can't assume that. Too many people get distracted while shopping and let their dog wander (even while leashed) or worse, get right in our stroller near my baby girl. It's just easier and safer with no dogs there.

Just my thoughts...

Gatekeeper, the KC City Market doesn't allow dogs.

Warning, copy and paste coming….

Dogs are not permitted within the City Market square, pavilions, building walkways or retail locations unless serving in an official ADA capacity. Due to health and safety of food products and Market patrons, your cooperation is appreciated. KCMO Food Code 6-501.115 KCMO Ordinance 060833; Chapter 14, Sections 14-1 and 14-29

Smarmy_Schoolmarm (Anonymous) says…

Gatekeeper, the KC City Market doesn't allow dogs. /////

I never said they did. YOu fail. You have poor reading comprehension. I said "There's also the market in KC that makes ours look like a garage sale." Please explain where I said it allows dogs? It doesn't because of all the indoor shops. I will go there instead of Lawrence if they ban dogs, since it's a better market and Lawrence wants to start stupid rules.

Dogs should be banned from all of the downtown area period, end of story!!

Dogs belong out in the country where they can run freely without being fenced, caged, or tied up.

For all of the trouble these dogs cause, it's odd I've never seen it myself.

My husband and I will sometimes take one of our dogs to the FM, but only if one of us is willing to keep an eye on her (both ends - gotta watch the retriever tails). They've never gone 1 or 2 while we've been there or downtown. They are kept on a short leash and are by our sides (thank you, dog training classes). We've only been met by other friendly dogs. I'm always impressed by the children who ask before they pet her and are gentle.

If they ban dogs, it will be another unfortunate example of the bad behavior of owners ruining it for everyone else. If that happens, I will be one of those supporting a ban of the SUV-like strollers that take up more space than my 70-lb dog.

Boy, I'm with you on the strollers, Sunflower_Jen. I know this is tangential to the subject at hand, but you touched a nerve. I've seen people bring these humongous strollers into small stores (not grocery stores, I'm talking little places like downtown) and in restaurants (again, small and not much space to maneuver in) and then look aggrieved when the staff politely asks them to move the stroller so they are not blocking the aisle.

I know it's not a perfect world where you can leave your stroller parked outside and trust that it'll be there when you come back. I just wish everything weren't so dang huge these days.

I have no opinion either way on dogs at the Farmers' Market. I've seen well-behaved dogs there, and no problematic ones, but I probably don't attend enough to have much data. I tend to agree with the poster who said we should let the vendors decide. My only concern is that some dogs are tiny, and some days the market is very crowded, and someone might accidentally injure a little animal when they didn't see it.

So, dogs have joined the wagon with cigarettes in regards to public health hazards. How interesting. I wonder what will be next on the chopping block.

Aside from dogs and what they could possibly do to produce, what about people in general. Lots of talk of dogs spreading contagion, but nothing about finger-licking, nose-picking folk handling the food before you get to it.

maybe all the gross cat people on this thread can bring fluffy to the FM in support of dog hate.

how bout a community litterbox

Once again it comes back to the obedience and attitude of the dog. It really comes down to the owners being smart about it. If your dog is uncontrollable and gets nervous in crowds, or is aggressive, then it would just be best to keep it at home.

My dog's not fully trained yet, we're working on her, but I struggle with her on walks sometimes because she wants to be the leader and pulls on her leash to get her way. I'm working on it, but if I don't think she will be perfectly behaved and cause trouble at the market, I won't bring her. I do think she's a very good girl, but she's just not ready for it and I won't expose her to it.

But that's not to say that there aren't dogs out there that are very obedient and wouldn't cause trouble.

Those of you without pets: these animals are like children to their owners. Think of it this way, if you had a quiet, well behaved, straight A child and were told you can't bring your kid to a restaurant because a bunch of people complained about a bunch of unruly kids, how would you feel?

Moocher, seeing how often we get stopped during our walks by people saying how cute my dog is and wanting to pet her, I would say you're just wrong.

And how is having a dog with you in an open air market third world? If it were third world it wouldn't be a market full of local produce but a UN food distribution center.

And to everyone for these new rules, if you really feel so disgusted by people who consider animals as family (or uncomfortable being around hippies), then perhaps Lawrence in general isn't a good match for you. I believe there are a couple cities nearby that are far more urban and a better fit.

Ban dogs from downtown all together? Why? Because they may need to relieve themselves? Then why not ban them from all sidewalks altogether? Then you and your comfort would be responsible for dogs becoming overweight and unhealthy due to lack of exercise. I just don't get it, people complain about dogs in downtown, but not about the park or on campus. Ooooooo, my dog poops just feet from where children play! True I clean it up, but there's that slight chance that if the children don't wash their hands before they eat, that one time they fell down and caught themselves with their hands and got the smallest dap of poop particles on them, those poop particles might wind up being eaten! Say it ain't so!

If these rules come through, then I think we should start considering banning children from downtown all together. I love children, can't wait to be a father myself, but it's the ones that don't have good manners, can't pay attention to their surroundings, and aren't disciplined by mom and dad that are annoying. I just don't want to have my downtown experience tarnished by kids screaming at the top of their lungs because they can't have ice cream or kids running everywhere without a care about other people. But I just don't trust parents to realize whether their kids are the well disciplined sort or hellions. Just have to ban them all!