Shoppers outraged! See the 'disgusting' act inside Woolworths that's causing a massive divide

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.'


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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!
 
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some pet owners do this JUST because they can..we all love our pets but we can do things without them, the same as we can do things without children...I bet when they go to hospital or the doctors, dentist the movies the club etc they somehow manage...pets should not be mingling with food and people that do this are just ignoramuses and totally selfish and need to learn how to get along in acomunity its only manners
 
I have an Assistance Dog. She is Not your typical dog that everyone expects to see. I have a Cavoodle. We (Myself and a Trainer) started at 3 months to take her to Woolworths. With a Jacket that Had
Assistance Dog In Training on Her Back
The Jacket was Yellow, The writing was
Red. The Abuse I received was shocking to say the least. I was in tears, I hated going BUT to pass her exams we HAD too.
The staff were outstanding!!
Before you decide on what is right or wrong in regards to this issue, Please 🙏 think just think outside the square as without that shop Or other shops my girl would not have Passed her exams to be my wonderful Assistant Dog!!
 
Just get over it, some people whinge about everything, probably the only way they can get noticed. A couple of dogs in a Supermarket is hardly news worthy unless they attacked the customers or wrecked the place, they did neither.
 
I have an Assistance Dog. She is Not your typical dog that everyone expects to see. I have a Cavoodle. We (Myself and a Trainer) started at 3 months to take her to Woolworths. With a Jacket that Had
Assistance Dog In Training on Her Back
The Jacket was Yellow, The writing was
Red. The Abuse I received was shocking to say the least. I was in tears, I hated going BUT to pass her exams we HAD too.
The staff were outstanding!!
Before you decide on what is right or wrong in regards to this issue, Please 🙏 think just think outside the square as without that shop Or other shops my girl would not have Passed her exams to be my wonderful Assistant Dog!!
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.
 
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.
 
How many kids with wet and crappy nappies have been in those trollies? Unless you are planning on licking them,I’d not be too stressed! The damned things are crawling with bugs and bacteria. Two dogs won’t make a scrap of difference . That said!unless the animal is a service pet,it has no business around food at any time!
 
These dogs in the article were supposedly WITHOUT an owner. They could have knocked someone over and the shop would be responsible for insurance and medical claims in the event of injury.

Besides, dogs in shops (EXCEPT assistance dogs) are not right and being put in a trolley (especially a food trolley) is disgusting. Whether some say they are cleaner than their owners is not the point. A supermarket trolley is for FOOD ONLY & only the special front section is for children upto a certain age - not the main trolley section which is for food.
 
These dogs in the article were supposedly WITHOUT an owner. They could have knocked someone over and the shop would be responsible for insurance and medical claims in the event of injury.

Besides, dogs in shops (EXCEPT assistance dogs) are not right and being put in a trolley (especially a food trolley) is disgusting. Whether some say they are cleaner than their owners is not the point. A supermarket trolley is for FOOD ONLY & only the special front section is for children upto a certain age - not the main trolley section which is for food.
Unfortunately, the main part of the trolley that you state is for food only, is used by many for more than just food. There are often kids of various ages ranging from toddlers to even teenagers in that part of the trolley, there will be rubbish, i.e. boxes from stock that has been unpacked, plastic and food wrappers, uneaten food that gets thrown into the trolley when they're left outside the shopping centre. Two dogs being put into the trolley is not going to make them anymore 'dirty' than they already are as you just have to look, and you see quite often there are bits of rubbish such as dockets, sweet wrappers often in the trolleys when you get the trolley to do your shopping.
 
These dogs in the article were supposedly WITHOUT an owner. They could have knocked someone over and the shop would be responsible for insurance and medical claims in the event of injury.

Besides, dogs in shops (EXCEPT assistance dogs) are not right and being put in a trolley (especially a food trolley) is disgusting. Whether some say they are cleaner than their owners is not the point. A supermarket trolley is for FOOD ONLY & only the special front section is for children upto a certain age - not the main trolley section which is for food.
So true, people who put their kids in the trolley where we put our produce etc, in should be pulled up. there are trolleys where kids sit. Not in the basket part. Ane animals in Supermarkets, Unless its Assistant Dogs, should not be allowed. But then some adults and children, same
 
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I guess there are dogs and dogs. Some people train their dogs to act well and others like them to be guard dogs and possibly attack. So responsible owners are the issue when dogs are liked or hated. Generally I would say that people are more of a problem than dogs. Remember the saying a dog is a man’s best friend and my experience of dogs is that they are beautiful and loyal companions with unshakable love for their owners
 
OK, upon reading the headline I thought it was about sex in isles (new TV series there) but, alas, it was about two dogs in the supermarket (same thing I suppose)
So tell me DOES or DOES NOT the supermarket have and area where they sell PET PRODUCTS, surely to goodness they can spare a leash or two with or without a harness instead of putting them in a trolley.⁉️
 
I have an Assistance Dog. She is Not your typical dog that everyone expects to see. I have a Cavoodle. We (Myself and a Trainer) started at 3 months to take her to Woolworths. With
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.
a Jacket that Had
Assistance Dog In Training on Her Back
The Jacket was Yellow, The writing was
Red. The Abuse I received was shocking to say the least. I was in tears, I hated going BUT to pass her exams we HAD too.
The staff were outstanding!!
Before you decide on what is right or wrong in regards to this issue, Please 🙏 think just think outside the square as without that shop Or other shops my girl would not have Passed her exams to be my wonderful Assistant Dog!!
 
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.
I don’t think the issue here is about ‘assistance dogs’. No one says they shouldn’t be allowed in WITH their handlers. It is about these two dogs running amok without their owner. The possibility someone could have been knocked down was more important - AND WHERE WAS THE OWNER?
 
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I like dogs but I'm also bit of a hygiene freak and I am repulsed at the thought of having a dog or dogs in a shopping trolley in which I want to put my food purchases. As far as I'm concerned there's something psychologically wrong with people who can't go shopping without their animals. I sometimes see people pat their animals and then handle food without washing. When I see that I'm not eating there.
 
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Reactions: natalielocket

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