Bunnings stands by in-store pet policy amid ‘dog-free’ hour outcry
- Replies 27
Bunnings Warehouse, the beloved Australian hardware giant, has recently found itself amid a heated debate. The issue at hand? The presence of dogs in their stores.
Despite a growing chorus of voices calling for dog-free hours, Bunnings has stood firm, stating that they are content with the behaviour of most pets and their owners in their stores and have no plans to alter their current policy.
The debate was sparked by an incident in which a large breed dog reportedly lunged and snapped at a young boy in a Bunnings store.
This incident led reporter Rebecca Franks to voice her preference for dog-free hours in retail stores.
Franks pointed out that since the COVID pandemic, when there was a 10 per cent surge in pet ownership, the ‘needs of pups (had become) an unnecessarily high priority; from dog-friendly cafes, beaches, bars, pubs and shops, to calls for pet dogs to be allowed on public transport and even planes’.
The opinion piece ignited a firestorm of responses from readers, with a social media post on the topic garnering nearly 20,000 interactions and almost 9,000 comments.
The responses were a mixed bag, with some readers supporting the idea of dog-free hours, while others defended the right to bring their pets into stores.
‘As an owner of two small pups, my girls always sit in the upper-section of the trolley and are restrained for their safety with strong harnesses and leads,’ one person said.
‘I have seen many larger dogs in-store but have yet to see any dog owner being irresponsible. Unfortunately it only takes one irresponsible owner to ruin it for everyone.’
‘It is refreshing to see this article… I’m sure (Franks) will get plenty of negative comments from overzealous dog lovers,’ another person said.
‘An overwhelming majority of them now feel entitled to take their dogs everywhere, and anywhere they want.’
Others expressed frustration at the increasing presence of dogs in public spaces.
‘I, too, am getting tired of dogs at Bunnings,’ a third said. ‘My favourite shop is Bunnings and going to my local Echuca store is becoming unbearable. Dodging dogs and putting my items in trolleys covered in dog fur—we don't go to markets cause of all the dogs.’
‘We don't go out to eat because of dogs eating in the same areas. We are animal people. But this is becoming a joke.’
Meanwhile, one woman, who is not a dog owner, expressed her delight at seeing dogs at Bunnings.
Her sentiment was echoed by others, with one comment stating: 'I love seeing pups at Bunnings and I love taking my little boy there too! Maybe leave the kids at home.'
In response to the controversy, Mike Schneider, Bunnings Managing Director, stated that the retailer has been welcoming pets into their stores for several years and values all feedback from the public concerning the policy.
‘We’ve been welcoming pets into our stores for over seven years and love the feedback from customers about how much they enjoy bringing them along when they’re shopping with us,’ Schneider said.
‘The ongoing positive feedback was one of the underlying factors in the launch of our pet category, our largest category expansion in two decades. The strong customer take-up of this offer has exceeded our expectations, underscoring the popularity of the category and its resonance with pet owners.’
‘Like many other retailers with similar pet ranges, we take a commonsense approach when welcoming pets into our stores. The feedback we receive shows that the vast majority of owners are respectful of other customers, and our team when they’re in store, and of course our team is always available to help if customers have any concerns about their shopping experience.’
Bunnings said that dogs are allowed if they’re friendly, on a lead, under control and comply with the conditions of entry. However, unsociable pets may be asked to leave or not to enter their premises.
The company explained that they have the same approach to dogs in their stores as to other pet retailers that allow them.
While the recent debate has brought the policy into the spotlight, it's important to remember that most of the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and considerate.
As our society becomes more pet-friendly, it's inevitable that tensions will arise. However, through open dialogue and mutual respect, it's possible to find a balance that respects everyone's rights and comforts.
What are your thoughts, members? Do you think dogs should be allowed in Bunnings? Or do you support the idea of dog-free hours? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Despite a growing chorus of voices calling for dog-free hours, Bunnings has stood firm, stating that they are content with the behaviour of most pets and their owners in their stores and have no plans to alter their current policy.
The debate was sparked by an incident in which a large breed dog reportedly lunged and snapped at a young boy in a Bunnings store.
This incident led reporter Rebecca Franks to voice her preference for dog-free hours in retail stores.
Some people on social media are calling for ‘dog-free’ hours at Bunnings. Image: Facebook
Franks pointed out that since the COVID pandemic, when there was a 10 per cent surge in pet ownership, the ‘needs of pups (had become) an unnecessarily high priority; from dog-friendly cafes, beaches, bars, pubs and shops, to calls for pet dogs to be allowed on public transport and even planes’.
The opinion piece ignited a firestorm of responses from readers, with a social media post on the topic garnering nearly 20,000 interactions and almost 9,000 comments.
The responses were a mixed bag, with some readers supporting the idea of dog-free hours, while others defended the right to bring their pets into stores.
‘As an owner of two small pups, my girls always sit in the upper-section of the trolley and are restrained for their safety with strong harnesses and leads,’ one person said.
‘I have seen many larger dogs in-store but have yet to see any dog owner being irresponsible. Unfortunately it only takes one irresponsible owner to ruin it for everyone.’
‘It is refreshing to see this article… I’m sure (Franks) will get plenty of negative comments from overzealous dog lovers,’ another person said.
‘An overwhelming majority of them now feel entitled to take their dogs everywhere, and anywhere they want.’
Others expressed frustration at the increasing presence of dogs in public spaces.
‘I, too, am getting tired of dogs at Bunnings,’ a third said. ‘My favourite shop is Bunnings and going to my local Echuca store is becoming unbearable. Dodging dogs and putting my items in trolleys covered in dog fur—we don't go to markets cause of all the dogs.’
‘We don't go out to eat because of dogs eating in the same areas. We are animal people. But this is becoming a joke.’
Meanwhile, one woman, who is not a dog owner, expressed her delight at seeing dogs at Bunnings.
Her sentiment was echoed by others, with one comment stating: 'I love seeing pups at Bunnings and I love taking my little boy there too! Maybe leave the kids at home.'
In response to the controversy, Mike Schneider, Bunnings Managing Director, stated that the retailer has been welcoming pets into their stores for several years and values all feedback from the public concerning the policy.
‘We’ve been welcoming pets into our stores for over seven years and love the feedback from customers about how much they enjoy bringing them along when they’re shopping with us,’ Schneider said.
‘The ongoing positive feedback was one of the underlying factors in the launch of our pet category, our largest category expansion in two decades. The strong customer take-up of this offer has exceeded our expectations, underscoring the popularity of the category and its resonance with pet owners.’
‘Like many other retailers with similar pet ranges, we take a commonsense approach when welcoming pets into our stores. The feedback we receive shows that the vast majority of owners are respectful of other customers, and our team when they’re in store, and of course our team is always available to help if customers have any concerns about their shopping experience.’
Bunnings said that dogs are allowed if they’re friendly, on a lead, under control and comply with the conditions of entry. However, unsociable pets may be asked to leave or not to enter their premises.
The company explained that they have the same approach to dogs in their stores as to other pet retailers that allow them.
While the recent debate has brought the policy into the spotlight, it's important to remember that most of the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and considerate.
As our society becomes more pet-friendly, it's inevitable that tensions will arise. However, through open dialogue and mutual respect, it's possible to find a balance that respects everyone's rights and comforts.
What are your thoughts, members? Do you think dogs should be allowed in Bunnings? Or do you support the idea of dog-free hours? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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