Australians can be fined up to $880 on the spot if they are caught bringing their dogs into a McDonald’s restaurant.
Data from the Animal Medicines Australia 2022 survey shows that 48 percent of all Australian households own a dog, representing an estimated 6.4 million pets nationwide.
But despite pet dogs being found in nearly half of the nation’s homes, dog-friendly dining is still very rare.
No-go zones, which include parks, beaches, daycare centers and children’s playgrounds, are enforced by city councils.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand also enforce a strict ban on bringing dogs into pubs, cafes and restaurants – including McDonald’s.
dog owners were spotted waiting for their food at a McDonald’s restaurant in Melbourne with their pet chihuahua sitting on a table (pictured)
Owners caught with a dog within 10 feet of a food preparation area can be fined on the spot ranging from $330 to $880.
A reminder of the fine comes after dog owners were spotted waiting for their food at a McDonald’s restaurant in Melbourne with their pet chihuahua sitting on a table.
A photo was shared on social media on Sunday of fast food customers showing the small black and white dog sitting on the table at McDonald’s on St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
“Who doesn’t like some dirty dog anus on their Maccas table,” the indignant restaurant captioned the photo.
The photo has garnered many similar comments, with others labeling the act “disgusting.”
McDonald’s Australia told Daily Mail Australia that the fast food chain has a strict policy against dogs in their restaurants.
“For safety and hygiene reasons, we do not allow dogs in our restaurants, with the exception of service animals,” said McDonald’s Australia.
“We expect customers to abide by the restaurant’s access rules.
“Our restaurants follow strict cleaning, sanitizing and hygiene procedures at all times.”
The policy is in place to ensure restaurant safety and cleanliness and to comply with federal food and drug regulations and codes set by the Food and Drug Administration.
Dogs are only allowed in a pub, restaurant or outdoor cafe area if they meet the rules set by Food Standards and Australia, New Zealand (stock image)
The outdoor area must be accessible without having to enter, must not be enclosed and the dog must be on a lead, away from food preparation areas and away from surfaces where food is served (stock image)
Service animals are the exception to the rule and are allowed in McDonald’s, but emotional support animals are not welcome in the restaurant, regardless of their behavior.
Dogs are allowed in McDonald’s outdoor areas as long as owners abide by the restaurant’s rules.
Since 2012, Food Standards and Australia New Zealand have allowed restaurants, pubs and cafes to choose whether to allow dogs in outdoor eating areas.
“Dogs are allowed but only in outdoor eating areas that are not enclosed,” the Food Standards and Australia New Zealand website said.
The government’s regulatory body made the decision after determining the risk of dogs transmitting disease to diners was “low to negligible.”
Permission is at the discretion of the business owner, who must “decide whether or not you allow customers to have their dogs outside dining areas.”
Dogs are allowed outside as long as the space is not locked and can be accessed without having to enter.
Owners should also keep their dogs on a leash, away from food preparation areas and away from surfaces where food is served.
Restaurants have the right to refuse animals, and many claim that other customers may be allergic to the animal or have a phobia.
Different rules apply to people with assistance dogs.
Guide dogs are allowed in indoor and outdoor restaurants and must follow different rules than dogs (stock image)
In 2020 Jamie Parker, MP for the New South Wales Greens, introduced another bill to change the laws that prevented dogs from entering pubs, but the bill has not yet passed.
“It’s allowed all over Europe and the UK to have dogs in pubs so I don’t understand why Australia needs to have more and more rules,” Parker said.
“In our local Inner West area and in many rural regions, dogs are part of the community and accompany their owners everywhere.
“The ability to take dogs to the local pub would not only improve the quality of life for dog owners, but also for dogs.”
An earlier bid by Mr Parker in 2018 to change the law fell through.