A flock of roughs!
Authorities in New York City are currently looking into a popular new bakery in Brooklyn. This establishment is reportedly flouting local health regulations by allowing non-service dogs inside. The situation escalated after a customer was bitten by one of the dogs.
Daniel Griffin, a Brooklyn resident, reported to health department officials on December 20 that he was bitten by a cross-corgi while he was at Birdie, a well-known bakery in Williamsburg that offers expensive sandwiches and visually appealing pastries.
“I was just getting a bite to eat,” Griffin recalled, noting that as he went to grab some napkins, he passed a barking corgi alongside another dog and two people.
“The corgi bit me on the leg as I walked by. Initially, it didn’t seem like a big deal, and while the owner was very apologetic, I didn’t think to ask for her details,” Griffin explained.
When he got home, he discovered that the bite had broken his skin and sought medical advice from an emergency room doctor. The doctor reassured him that there hadn’t been any reported rabies cases in the city for over 60 years, but suggested documenting the bite anyway.
Meanwhile, the bakery’s owner, who has decorated the place with dog-themed decor and actively collaborates with dog brands online, did not respond to Griffin’s attempts to reach out.
“This incident has been reported to the New York City Department of Health, and it’s now under investigation,” a health department representative confirmed.
“New Yorkers can report dog bites by calling 311,” they added, noting that only service animals are allowed in the restaurant to avoid unsanitary conditions.
Birdie, which opened in April last year, has yet to undergo an official health department inspection. According to the city, allowing non-service animals in restaurants is against health regulations.
While managers are allowed to inquire about whether a dog is a service animal, they can’t demand proof of disability or certification.
After Griffin shared his incident on Reddit, many local residents expressed support for him. One commenter criticized Birdie, labeling it “a dog park with pastries.” They added, “This incident is a clear example of why dogs shouldn’t be allowed in restaurants,” stressing that places should adhere to regulations rather than simply accommodating dog owners.
Another customer shared their discomfort, noting the presence of multiple dogs during their recent visit to the bakery. “I was there just the other day, and there were three separate dogs near the tables,” they wrote on Reddit, echoing Griffin’s sentiments about the growing issue.
An analysis by a publication found that at least two complaints related to animals at Birdie were made to 311. The complaint from December remains open, while another from September has been resolved.
Since the start of 2025, Williamsburg Community Board 1 has accumulated 107 complaints about pets in food establishments, with Whole Foods on Bedford Avenue receiving the brunt of the grievances, alongside other spots like Land to Sea and Variety Coffee Roasters.
While pet owners have been bringing their dogs out to dine even before the pandemic, Griffin argues it feels like there’s an uptick in dogs crowding eateries in trendy neighborhoods since then.
“It seems like there’s always a dog at Birdie,” he noted, adding that people need to exercise more responsibility for their pets in public, especially if they are aggressive.
