It was a scene that could have been lifted straight from a slapstick comedy, but for some shoppers at a Woolworths store in Ballina, NSW, it was no laughing matter. Two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, sans owner, found their way into the supermarket, leading to a chase that had both staff and customers in a tizzy. The dogs, seemingly pleased with their adventure, ended up perched in shopping trolleys, an image of which quickly made its way around a local community group online, sparking a debate that has since spread far and wide.

The sight of the two 'chuffed' Staffies, as they were described, was met with a mix of amusement and concern. While some found the incident 'hilarious' and 'incredible,' others were quick to voice their worries about hygiene, given that trolleys are meant for groceries, not pets. 'Hope those two trolleys got a good cleaning before being used again,' one person commented, while another expressed their disgust more bluntly: 'Fancy shopping and using these trolleys after these dogs have been in them.'

A scene at a Woolworths store earned mixed reactions from shoppers. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Rusty Todaro

The debate didn't stop at the cleanliness of the trolleys. It opened up a broader discussion about the presence of animals in public spaces, particularly where food is involved. Many sided with the dogs, suggesting that 'humans are more dirty than dogs,' and praised the Woolworths staff for their handling of the situation. 'I would much rather use a trolley after a dog has been in it than use a trolley after a putrid human,' a commenter noted, reflecting a sentiment that pets are often cleaner than their two-legged counterparts.

Eyewitness accounts from other shoppers added color to the tale. 'I saw them making a mad dash through the fair,' one shopper recalled, while another recounted, 'We were doing a shop in Woolies this morning when the Staffies went tearing past us with 2 staff members in hot pursuit. They went up and down a few aisles before they were nabbed.' The owner of the dogs was reportedly absent, and a ranger was called to collect the canine culprits.

This incident has brought to light the policies of supermarkets regarding pets in stores. Woolworths, like its competitor Coles, prohibits pets from accompanying their owners while shopping, with the exception of assistance animals that have the proper certification. 'As per Australian law, customers who have a guide dog or registered companion pets are welcome in our stores. However, we do not allow for everyday pets or animals to enter our stores,' a Woolworths spokesperson has previously stated.

The debate over dogs in public spaces isn't new. It's a topic that has been discussed fervently, especially with the ongoing conversation about whether dogs should be allowed to accompany their owners to hardware stores like Bunnings. The Woolworths incident has only added fuel to the fire, with opinions divided and passions running high.

For our senior readers, this story might bring up questions about the balance between enjoying public spaces and maintaining standards of hygiene and safety. It's a reminder that while we all love a bit of excitement and the occasional break from the norm, there are rules in place for a reason. It's also a testament to the unexpected moments that can turn an ordinary grocery run into the talk of the town.

Key Takeaways

• Two dogs entered a Woolworths store in Ballina, NSW, without their owner, leading to divided opinions among shoppers and staff.
• A photograph of the dogs in shopping trolleys was shared online, with some customers calling it 'hilarious', while others expressed hygiene concerns.
• Shoppers and staff witnessed the dogs dashing through the aisles, and a ranger was called to collect them as pets are not allowed in the store unless they are certified assistance animals.
• The incident reignited discussions over whether pets should be allowed to accompany their owners while shopping, with similar debates at Bunnings stores.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Should pets be allowed in more public spaces, or is it best to keep them at home? Have you ever encountered a similar situation during your shopping trips? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below – we're all ears!

 

[marni]

It’s about time some owners realised that pets are animals and not pseudo humans. The fact they eat better/ have better medical insurance than our pensioners is just weird. When they learn to use toilet paper and stop licking their but will be the time I will allow my trolley to be used as a pram. Great companions but not your baby or child. What is the name of a mother dog again?

 

[Mr Chips]

Assistance dogs are important in so many ways to an ever-growing number of people today, not just the visually impaired. The assistance dogs are providing a vital support to many with mental or physical health conditions or a combination of both. We are seeing how important they are particularly for those with blindness and PTSD and children in particular, as the bond formed, and the assistance given by the assistance dogs cannot be given a dollar value. It also gives these people independence, they are able to get out and about and do things that many of us take for granted. Those with assistance dogs should NOT be refused access to shopping centres, stores, cinemas, cafes, public transport or taxis, or any public place.

Well said. My Assistance dog is Mr Chips. He more or less takes me everywhere with him. He takes me on trains, around shopping centres, on buses but we do not go into supermarkets or similar so he patiently waits outside until I get what I need if I absolutely have to be in there. Mr Chips actually insists that I do my shopping for groceries on line as he loves to chat with the Woollies drivers who are always happy to converse with him about the baked bones, meats, and treats that are contained in the bags. They have no interest in the baked beans etc. The other person of great respect is the postman who delivers my packages to the door. Mr Chips always makes him welcome and the postie always carries some small dog treats in his pocket. Mr Chips will do absolutely anything for our postie who is very well-loved. Next door cat is a different issue!

 

[Rosi Gordon]

There are times that I feel it's OK for dogs to be in shops.
Assistance dogs and dogs for the blind. But can you imagine if everyone took their dogs and cats to shops. Would it be OK to take your pet rat , rabbit or bird ‍ !! Come on people there are places and times for everything .

My daughter is severely allergic to dog and cat hair . She would live a kaboodle but cant. Think about those who have allergies.
Not everyone keep their animals clean.

In the US I've seen multiple dogs and some cats in supermarkets, inside restaurants, pharmacy's and even almost as many dogs as people on trains. Europe cater to animals as well and I take my little old dog for an outing to the garden nursery but that's the limit.

 

[Towing]

I know for a fact that dogs trained for visually impaired people are taught to "wee" on command. That is not only hygiene but person's fall preventative. I guess other assistance dogs are trained for that too. Assistance dogs are trained to walk with a person, not in a trolley. They alert the "owner" and often other people when there is a problem. People who shop at the same supermarket all the time get to know the dog to a certain extent. It can be helpful for staff to know the name of the dog and know what to say to re-assure them too. An assistance dog should never be patted or touched by another people if wearing appropriate jacket, collar lead etc. "they are working"

 

[Towing]

Woolworths should NOT have had their name mentioned in such a sensational way. It could have happened at any other supermarket anywhere in Australia (or other country)