A Leicestershire garden centre has defended its controversial no-dogs policy ahead of opening its newest county branch. Gates Woodlands says the ban, which excludes assistance dogs, follows successful implementation at its Oakham site, where more than one million visitors attended last year.
The business, which is taking over the former Dobbies site in Stapleton, near Hinckley, says it "loves dogs" but has been "forced to act". The company stated that previous attempts to welcome pets had been spoiled by "a small number of irresponsible owners" not cleaning up after their animals, leaving staff to manage the mess.
The policy has sparked intense debate on social media, with customers divided over the decision. Some praised the prospect of a "peaceful shopping experience" while others threatened to take their business elsewhere.
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"I don't understand some people's sense of entitlement that they should take their dog wherever they want," said one supporter. A second said: "I'm so pleased that dogs are not allowed. I can eat my dinner without any barking or yapping. Maybe people should take their dogs for a walk rather than a garden centre."
One opponent said the policy was a sign that the UK was "so un-dog friendly". Another critical of the ban said: "If you want to take your dog to a garden centre with a lovely café, all you need to do is go up the road from Gates, and there is a garden centre [that welcomes them]."
The controversy intensified when some suggested the ban could be extended even further. One said: "I know, let's ban noisy children! Nothing worse than screaming children while trying to shop and eat a meal." A second agreed, saying: "Ban yappy dogs and unruly children from public adult places. Most annoying things ever!"
A spokesperson for Gates told LeicestershireLive that the decision was made "with great consideration for all visitors and staff" after previous attempts to allow dogs inside had failed. The company added that it has made a significant investment in upgrading the Hinckley site.
The spokesperson said the existing policy had been generally preferred by customers at Oakham for the pleasant environment it created - particularly in the restaurant and farm shop areas. They added that the majority of social media responses had been supportive of the decision.
The opening date for the new store has yet to be announced.
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