Bunnings is being pressured to ban dogs from their stores after a fatal incident inside a Brisbane store over the weekend left staff and customers shaken up.
An unrestrained dog attacked and killed a smaller animal that was sitting in a trolley at the Stafford outlet.
Despite the smaller dog’s fight, they did not make it after being rushed to emergency services.
Bunnings currently do allow dogs into stores but stipulates that the animals must be friendly, and need to be secured safely in a vehicle or trolley, or on a lead and wearing a muzzle, or being carried.
Gina Gilmore was shopping in the store when she saw the “pit bull” begin to attack the smaller, white fluffy pet.
Ms Gilmore said the attack had been “brutal and graphic” and said it never should have happened.
“I’m all for businesses allowing pets if people follow the rules,” she said.
“I think in this case the pit bull owner let that dog down terribly. It was clearly vicious and should never have been in a public place, let alone Bunnings.”
Bunnings say they have been in touch with the owner of the deceased dog to “offer support.
The incident sparked fury online, with many questioning why dogs, other than assistance or guide animals, are allowed in stores.
The Courier Mail conducted a survey which saw 3400 Facebook users calling for a ban on dogs in stores, while over 2100 ruled the possible new ban an overstep.
“Only guide and assistance dogs should be allowed into any shop, retail store or shopping centre anywhere. All other dogs should be left at home period,” Gail Kelly commented.
“Unless they are a help dog they should not be allowed in any store or market. Regardless of what the owner might say, sometimes things happen that upset the dog,” Irwin Carrier went on to say.
“Why the bloody hell do people have to take their dogs with them everywhere they go. Surely they can go to the hardware (store) and leave it at home,” Jeff Campbell also said.
Others took to the comments to place blame on the “pit bull” owner, saying most shoppers happily abide by the rules.
“Bunnings is a fantastic place to socialize your dog and for many people, their dogs are their children. If people simply obided (sic) by the rules regarding having their dogs in Bunnings, none of this would have happened,” Izzy Willis wrote.
“If the dog was on a leash and muzzled as per company policy this wouldn’t have happened. Why should one gronk ruin it for so many others,” Zee Marincowits wrote.
“Surely owner has to be held accountable for their pets actions. If they can’t be controlled, don’t take them out in public,” Brett Simpson said.
Bunnings and Brisbane City Council are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
“Pet owners must show responsibility, and we expect all owners to ensure their animal is under effective control at all times when in public and at home,” Councillor Kim Marx said.
“The State Government’s Animal Management Act outlines what action Council can take following an investigation into an incident.”
