OPINION - London is far too anti-dog — I want mine with me in every shop and restaurant

I’m not being funny but… why in 2023 is London still so behind on dog policies? The latest figures show that there are more than 300,000 dogs in London in 250,000 homes. That’s a staggering nine per cent of households. Don’t tell me it’s a licensing problem because I don’t buy that. There are enough establishments, from stores to restaurants, to cafes or hotels that all let in dogs. Now, welcome them! As a long-time dog owner, I’ve seen how the world has moved forward with time. You go to New York and there are dog costume competitions every holiday, you go to Ibiza and virtually every space welcomes dogs with open arms.