Bringing your dog to McDonald’s could land you a $1760 fine

A recent post on social media has drawn attention to a rule that, if broken, could land you an on-the-spot fine of as much as $1760.

A recent post on social media has drawn attention to a rule that, if broken, could land you an on-the-spot fine of as much as $1760.

Taking to Reddit, a diner at a McDonald’s Melbourne expressed their outrage at a chihuahua sitting atop a table in the restaurant.

“Who doesn’t love some dirty dog anus on their Macca’s table,” the person wrote, alongside a photo of the small black and white dog.

It swiftly went viral – dividing users. Some declared the sight “gross”, adding, “I love my dogs, but their ass ain’t coming inside, let alone sitting on a table”.

But others wrote that “unless you’re planning on licking the table, I’m not sure why this would bother you”.

No matter which side of the fence you sit on, bringing your pet to Macca’s might cost you more than just the judgement of other diners.

Aussies who bring their pets into McDonald's restaurants could receive an on-the-spot fine of as much as $1760 from the local council. Picture: Reddit

While McDonald’s management do not issue fines to pet owners inside restaurants, as per the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, local councils can.

Those caught with a dog on the premises of pubs, cafes and restaurants in Australia can receive an on-the-spot fine, the code states.

The fines for having a dog in a prohibited place can range from $330 to as much as $1760.

“All animals are prohibited from areas where food is handled,” Food Standards Australia states.

“Pet dogs may be permitted, but only in outdoor dining areas that are not enclosed.”

The rules don’t just apply to Macca’s restaurants. Photograph: Cameron Bates

A McDonald’s Australia spokesperson confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au they “do not allow pets into our restaurants for safety and hygiene purposes”.

“We expect customers to follow the restaurant entry rules,” they said.

“Our restaurants follow strict cleaning, sanitisation and hygiene procedures at all times.”

Support animals are, of course, exempt from these rules.

Originally published as Bringing your dog to McDonald’s could land you a $1760 fine