The business that rents dogs to people who want to take one for the odd walk is having trouble setting up in Boston.

The California-based firm is now facing hurdles to its planned expansion in Boston, according to The Boston Globe, which reports there is a city council meeting this afternoon to discuss a ban on pet rental services.

"This promotes dogs as disposable items," said Bryn Conklin, an animal protection specialist at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

I don't think it promotes them as disposable but it certainly turns them into commodities.  It also reinforces the misconception that dogs are like windup toys - just take them out and they'll act like little robots.  Do the people who rent dogs have to demonstrate any experience or is just paying the fee enough?

A local trainer had this to say:

"Dogs need stability in their lives, they need a long-term commitment, and they need a secure environment," said Ray McSoley, a local trainer who called the company a "four-legged escort service."

Here's the article at the Washington Post with a link to the Boston Globe story.