Aldi shopper’s ‘assistance cat’ seated in shopping trolley sparks a furore over hygiene
A photo of a cat sitting in a shopping trolley at an Aldi store has divided shoppers. Some people were outraged that the animal was allowed into a place where food is sold.
A customer recently snapped the photo of the cat at an Aldi store in Jerrabomberra in south-west Canberra.
The shopper took to the ‘Aldi Fans in Australia’ Facebook page last week to upload a photo of the unusual sight.
“Here’s something you rarely see in an Aldi store,” the woman wrote.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a service cat anywhere in public.”
A photo of a service cat (pictured) spotted in an Aldi store has divided shoppers
The photo shows the cat sitting in the baby seat of a trolley while wearing a green harness around its neck.
While some users who commented on the post thought the addition of the animal to the cart was cute, others called the move “unsanitary.”
“So anyone can buy a harness for an animal, call it a service pet and take it anywhere. Ridiculous,” one user wrote.
‘Bah! Help or not. “I don’t believe animals should be allowed in our carts where we put our food,” said another.
‘How unsanitary to have a cat in a supermarket.’
Others pointed out that they are allergic to cats and said the animal posed a health hazard.
‘My kids would get in trouble if they chased this cat! They have severe allergies,” one woman said.
Others said people should have more respect for those who need a service animal to help with their disabilities.
Aldi declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia, but a spokesperson said the company’s animal policy is guided by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
The law states that an animal is considered a service animal if it is “trained to assist an individual with a disability.”
Aldi (store stock image) said its policy around service animals is guided by the Disability Discrimination Act
The animal must also be accredited as trained to assist people with disabilities under the law of a state or territory.
The animal must ‘meet the standards of hygiene and behavior appropriate for an animal in a public place.’
Service animals provide people with disabilities with assistance in performing daily tasks.
Service animals are used by a range of people with physical and cognitive disabilities.
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