UPDATE: Health Department Will Allow One Instance Of Dog Dining At Restaurant Each Year

It is traditional that the winner of the Westminster Dog Show dines on a celebratory meal at Sardi's, but now the Department of the Health tightening its leash on the practice: Starting next year, Westminster champions will no longer be allowed to dine at Sardi's or ANY OTHER RESTAURANT.

DOH spokesman John Kelly punned it up, "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." Which means this year's winner, Pekingese Malachy, is the last one to enjoy the spoils of victory—Malachy chowed on chicken and rice yesterday.

While Sardi's pointed out that Malachy was in a private room, it's reassuring to know that the DOH is just being as nannying as it is towards fancy hotel cats or bodega cats.

Update: Now the Health Department has found a way to make sure Westminster dogs have their day: CityRoom reports the Westminster champion can eat at Sardi's with a waiver from the Health Commissioner. Now, if only the Health Department would create some scaremongering ads about obese pets.