spectr17
12-16-2001, 05:41 PM
State board ends ban on dogs in barber shops.
Associated Press
12/15/01
KALISPELL (AP) – When Ed Dutton cuts hair at Joe’s Barber Shop, he can now have his dog present without violating a state regulation.
A recent rule change by the Montana Board of Barbers ended a ban on dogs in barber shops. That’s a victory for Dutton, fined $500 in 1998 for having his springer spaniel, Coco, on the premises while he worked.
Coco, described by Dutton as “a hell of a bird dog,” began going to his shop in downtown Kalispell five years ago as a puppy. The dog liked to curl up under the church pew in the waiting area.
Angered by the $500 fine, Dutton said he saw no reason why a dog would pose any greater health risk to him or his customers than does mud that falls from the boots of farmers whose hair he cuts.
Dutton collected thousands of petition signatures supporting his position that dogs should be allowed in barber shops. He also was appointed to the Board of Barbers, but abstained from voting this month when it considered abolishing the rule against dogs.
“This shows people that if you think something’s wrong, and want to change it, don’t give up,” Dutton said. “It shows that you can get things done if you get people behind you. I need to thank the people of Flathead Valley for that.”
His supporters included Republican state legislators Stan Fisher of Bigfork and Roger Somerville of Kalispell, who sent the board letters denouncing the no-dogs rule. Gov. Judy Martz rallied, as well, and appointed Dutton to the board in July.
The rule change, which drew little opposition, does not apply to beauty salons. In those establishments, dogs remain prohibited.
Associated Press
12/15/01
KALISPELL (AP) – When Ed Dutton cuts hair at Joe’s Barber Shop, he can now have his dog present without violating a state regulation.
A recent rule change by the Montana Board of Barbers ended a ban on dogs in barber shops. That’s a victory for Dutton, fined $500 in 1998 for having his springer spaniel, Coco, on the premises while he worked.
Coco, described by Dutton as “a hell of a bird dog,” began going to his shop in downtown Kalispell five years ago as a puppy. The dog liked to curl up under the church pew in the waiting area.
Angered by the $500 fine, Dutton said he saw no reason why a dog would pose any greater health risk to him or his customers than does mud that falls from the boots of farmers whose hair he cuts.
Dutton collected thousands of petition signatures supporting his position that dogs should be allowed in barber shops. He also was appointed to the Board of Barbers, but abstained from voting this month when it considered abolishing the rule against dogs.
“This shows people that if you think something’s wrong, and want to change it, don’t give up,” Dutton said. “It shows that you can get things done if you get people behind you. I need to thank the people of Flathead Valley for that.”
His supporters included Republican state legislators Stan Fisher of Bigfork and Roger Somerville of Kalispell, who sent the board letters denouncing the no-dogs rule. Gov. Judy Martz rallied, as well, and appointed Dutton to the board in July.
The rule change, which drew little opposition, does not apply to beauty salons. In those establishments, dogs remain prohibited.