Moreton Bay dog owner Elizabeth Loader has asked for stricter rules around dogs in shopping centres

An incident in a shopping centre has touched off debate over whether dogs should be allowed. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Should dogs be allowed in shopping centres? Picture: Supplied

A Moreton Bay woman has called for stricter rules around dogs in shopping centres, after witnessing an incident in her area.

After seeing a small dog being lifted from a mobility walker, Elizabeth Loader challenged the owner.

“I stated that I thought only dogs for the blind were allowed into shopping centres but she informed me that dog was a service dog,” she posted on social media.

“Sorry but the dog looked fairly incapable of helping anyone, actually.

“Now I love dogs, have a small one myself, but I think dogs in shopping centres is going overboard, people are going to abuse this, I can see it coming and rules need to be set.”

Dogs are allowed to dine at certain cafes, enter Bunnings stores and some can go to the movies with their owners.

Assistance dogs have no limitations on where they can enter. For a dog to qualify as a certified assistance dog it must pass a test, wear a coat or harness with a special badge and the handler must carry a handler’s identity card.

In a half-hour period Ms Loader’s controversial post received more than 200 responses, with some telling Ms Loader to get a hobby, while other residents shared similar concerns.

Red-headed woman and white puppy smiling together. Picture: iStock

Liz Kerr agreed with Ms Loader, encouraging residents to clean trolleys as soon as they get them.

“Yep. I see people putting dogs in trolleys you use to put food in. That’s why I always wipe not only the handle but the basket part as well,” she said.

Janine Catherine gave an empathetic response, stating that ‘times have changed’.

“They have dogs and birds as companions these days,” she said.

“Maybe that woman can’t go out without her dog friend. Maybe that pup keeps her at ease. I’m all for it. They have been trained.

“But even if wasn’t a guide dog as such … maybe she takes it with her as it may bark at home.

“Dogs get anxiety also … some people have no one but that pup.

“Please try be more understanding!!!”

Kylie Keeble shared a different perspective, explaining her son was terrified of dogs.

“Any dog, no matter the size or what it’s doing (sitting, sleeping etc), can cause him to have a meltdown or virtually a panic attack,” she said.