Kellie Hunter, owner of Same But Different Cafe in Hahndorf, has been warned by the Mount Barker District Council that allowing dogs inside could result in a $2,500 fine. The warning came after a single customer complaint about food safety standards.
Hunter opened the cafe in 2023 as a dog-friendly space, but the council says only accredited assistance animals are permitted inside dining areas under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Hunter told 891 ABC Adelaide that the complaint has changed the cafe's dynamic, despite no prior issues such as dog hair in food or unruly animals.
Hunter has launched an online petition opposing the council's stance, which has gathered over 1,700 signatures. She argues that Hahndorf is a tourist town where people often travel with their dogs. Council Planning and Regulatory General Manager Natalie Armstrong stated that environmental health officers must enforce the national code to minimize public health risks.
Council officers had not noticed dogs inside during earlier inspections. SA Health confirmed that local councils enforce the code, which allows dogs only in outdoor, non-enclosed dining areas. Hunter has contacted SA Health but has not received a response.
