The Department of Health is offically the fun police.
First it was Matilda the Cat at the Algonquin Hotel, now the DOH has ruled that Sardi's restaurant can no longer host the winning pooch from the Westminster Dog show, ending a tradition spanning three decades.
The New York Post reports that his year's winner, Malachy, a Pekingese posing as a cotton ball with eyes, will be the last four-legged guest of Sardi's.
"We can't be expected to just roll over for the champ. Our primary concern is making sure people and pets follow the doggone rules - ideally without whining or begging," Health Department spokesman John Kelly told the Post. At least he was able to squeeze a few puns in there.
Sardi's owner Max Kilmavicius defended the tradition, pointing out that Malachy was served in a private room on the second floor.
In November 2011, the DOH came down on Sardi's as well, ending another tradition - free communal cheese and crackers, though the department denies involvement.
For more on this story, visit the New York Post.
