From now on, it’ll have to be in a doggie bag.
A New York tradition more than three decades old ended yesterday when the Health Department declared that starting next year, Sardi’s restaurant can no longer invite the winner of the Westminster Dog Show to a special dinner.
Malachy (pictured), the pint-sized Pekingese, enjoyed a platter of chicken and rice — but his successors won’t be as lucky.
“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,” quipped city Health Department spokesman John Kelly.
Restaurant owner Max Klimavicius pointed out that his special guest was served in a private room on the second floor and said he was sorry to see the “ritual’’ end.
Malachy joins another well-known pet in “nanny state’’ exile. Matilda the Algonquin hotel cat, who had been free to roam, had to be put on a leash and banned from the lobby lounge because food is served there. The hotel is now under renovation.