Bunnings is under fire after poison found in pet aisle
It's a common scenario for many, strolling into Bunnings with their beloved pets to grab a new bed, new toys, or some treats.
However, one shopper’s visit to Bunnings Keysborough was cut short when he stumbled upon a disconcerting item in the pet aisle, hinting at potential harm.
A Melbourne resident expressed shock and disgust on social media concerning toxic snail poison that had leaked onto the floor, being sold dangerously close to pet products.
According to the resident, he was shopping at Bunnings Keysborough with his dog and looking at dog beds in the pet aisle when he discovered that pet accessories shared the same aisle as pest killers and insecticides.
As he further walked through the aisle, he noticed crushed snail and slug bait pellets on the floor—a substance that can be fatal for dogs if ingested.
He wrote, ‘What genius had this idea?’ before tagging Bunnings and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Victoria.
The man’s post triggered an influx of comments, especially concerns from other pet owners about the safety of their pets, questioning the co-location of pet products and pest killers in the same aisle.
Bunnings’ Director of Merchandise Jen Tucker said that store layouts are regularly reviewed to ensure shoppers and their beloved animals are safe.
‘We regularly review the layout of our stores to ensure we comply with relevant legal and safety requirements across our entire range, including the products identified in the video,’ explained the director.
‘If there's ever an accidental spill of pest control products, our team will do their best to clean it up as soon as possible to maintain the safety of our customers and their pets.’
Many social media users were upset over the post. However, some argued that having pets in the store in the first place was the problem.
They pointed out that the store was no place to let pets wander off their leashes and that people need to be mindful of their four-legged friends—as they would be in the park.
‘Just because dogs are allowed doesn't mean dogs can roam free, most things in Bunnings are harmful if ingested,’ shared one person.
‘Just watch your dog, it's no different to at a park,’ added another.
Bunnings stores nationwide not only sell pet products but also permit ‘well-behaved pets that are on lead’ based on their entry requirements.
While an immediate concern was a spilled toxic substance, attention shifted to the arrangement of items.
Some noted that their local Bunnings has a layout ensuring the separation of dangerous items from pet products.
Despite this, many Aussies called for Bunnings to reassess its store systems and adjust layouts to prevent the proximity of hazardous items to pet products.
‘Bunnings, please review which stores' [pet products] are arranged for a half aisle, at my store, they are between pots and internal landscape,’ one person wrote.
‘[A] merchandising change could save a life,’ another noted.
On the other hand, Greencross Vet Hospital Dr Liam Donaldson said the risk of harm from ingesting bait is higher for smaller dogs.
However, regardless of the dog's size or the amount consumed, if there is suspicion of bait ingestion, it is strongly advised to seek immediate veterinary attention.
‘[We] can get it out of their system sooner rather than later,’ said Dr Donaldson.
If your pet ingested snail bait, one of the symptoms to watch for is muscle spasms, which in severe cases can progress to seizures and overheating, potentially causing further serious issues or even death.
Members, what do you think of this story? Do you agree that dog owners should be more mindful of their pets in stores or should Bunnings change the layout of their store? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
However, one shopper’s visit to Bunnings Keysborough was cut short when he stumbled upon a disconcerting item in the pet aisle, hinting at potential harm.
A Melbourne resident expressed shock and disgust on social media concerning toxic snail poison that had leaked onto the floor, being sold dangerously close to pet products.
According to the resident, he was shopping at Bunnings Keysborough with his dog and looking at dog beds in the pet aisle when he discovered that pet accessories shared the same aisle as pest killers and insecticides.
As he further walked through the aisle, he noticed crushed snail and slug bait pellets on the floor—a substance that can be fatal for dogs if ingested.
He wrote, ‘What genius had this idea?’ before tagging Bunnings and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Victoria.
The man’s post triggered an influx of comments, especially concerns from other pet owners about the safety of their pets, questioning the co-location of pet products and pest killers in the same aisle.
Bunnings’ Director of Merchandise Jen Tucker said that store layouts are regularly reviewed to ensure shoppers and their beloved animals are safe.
‘We regularly review the layout of our stores to ensure we comply with relevant legal and safety requirements across our entire range, including the products identified in the video,’ explained the director.
‘If there's ever an accidental spill of pest control products, our team will do their best to clean it up as soon as possible to maintain the safety of our customers and their pets.’
Many social media users were upset over the post. However, some argued that having pets in the store in the first place was the problem.
They pointed out that the store was no place to let pets wander off their leashes and that people need to be mindful of their four-legged friends—as they would be in the park.
‘Just because dogs are allowed doesn't mean dogs can roam free, most things in Bunnings are harmful if ingested,’ shared one person.
‘Just watch your dog, it's no different to at a park,’ added another.
Bunnings stores nationwide not only sell pet products but also permit ‘well-behaved pets that are on lead’ based on their entry requirements.
While an immediate concern was a spilled toxic substance, attention shifted to the arrangement of items.
Some noted that their local Bunnings has a layout ensuring the separation of dangerous items from pet products.
Despite this, many Aussies called for Bunnings to reassess its store systems and adjust layouts to prevent the proximity of hazardous items to pet products.
‘Bunnings, please review which stores' [pet products] are arranged for a half aisle, at my store, they are between pots and internal landscape,’ one person wrote.
‘[A] merchandising change could save a life,’ another noted.
On the other hand, Greencross Vet Hospital Dr Liam Donaldson said the risk of harm from ingesting bait is higher for smaller dogs.
However, regardless of the dog's size or the amount consumed, if there is suspicion of bait ingestion, it is strongly advised to seek immediate veterinary attention.
‘[We] can get it out of their system sooner rather than later,’ said Dr Donaldson.
If your pet ingested snail bait, one of the symptoms to watch for is muscle spasms, which in severe cases can progress to seizures and overheating, potentially causing further serious issues or even death.
Key Takeaways
- A Melbourne shopper has expressed concern after finding leaked snail poison in the pet aisle of a Bunnings store.
- The pet owner has slammed Bunnings for keeping pet accessories and toxic substances in the same aisle of their Keysborough store.
- Director of Merchandise at Bunnings Jen Tucker said store layouts are regularly reviewed to meet safety standards, and spills are cleaned up as soon as possible.
- Many comments revealed that although pets are allowed in Bunnings, owners should be vigilant as most items in the store could be dangerous if ingested by animals.