Vote could allow animals at taverns

ATHOL, Mass. -- The people of Athol will have the chance to vote next week on an unusual question: should horses, cats and dogs be allowed to join their owners in a tavern for a drink?

Patricia Demarest said she meant it as a joke when she sent in the petition. She told the Telegram & Gazette she wanted to poke fun at Selectman Jim White, who rode a horse into a local bar, despite town law prohibiting animals in such establishments.

She didn't realize that the Board of Selectmen, by law, could not reject it. Demarest said she plans to make sure a motion is made and seconded to bring it to voters. She doesn't believe it will be approved, but she said at least it will be voted on.

The article, one of 31 on the warrant, would allow "horses, cats and-or dogs to enter into local taverns for a sip of sarsaparilla or any other unidentifiable beverage; or act in relation thereto."