A young girl has been hospitalised after being bitten by a rottweiler while sitting in a shopping trolley at a Bunnings store in Delacombe, Victoria, reigniting a fierce national debate about whether the hardware retailer should ban dogs from its premises altogether.
The incident occurred at approximately 11.10am on Wednesday at the Delacombe store. The girl sustained a lower body injury and was transported to Ballarat Base Hospital by Ambulance Victoria. The dog was subsequently surrendered by its owners and euthanised the same afternoon.
What Happened at Bunnings Delacombe?
The girl was seated in a shopping trolley — a common arrangement for young children while accompanying parents on errands — when another customer's rottweiler attacked her. Ambulance Victoria confirmed the hospitalisation, while the City of Ballarat confirmed both the incident and the outcome for the dog.
"The dog was voluntarily surrendered by its owners for euthanasia, which took place on Wednesday afternoon," said the council's development and growth director, Natalie Robertson. She added that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that the council was unable to comment further while that process was underway.
Bunnings has not announced any immediate changes to its pet policy in response to the incident. It is understood the retailer is currently focused on the specifics of Wednesday's attack rather than undertaking a broader review of its stance on animals in stores.
What Is Bunnings' Current Dog Policy?
According to the retailer's website, assistance animals are always welcome inside Bunnings stores, and "well-behaved pets that are on a lead" are also permitted. The policy does not require muzzles or any additional restraints beyond a lead.
This is not the first time the policy has come under scrutiny. Bunnings previously indicated it would examine its approach to pets in stores after a five-year-old girl was attacked by a dog inside its Melton store back in 2015. Despite that review, the current policy allowing leashed pets has remained in place.
A Community Divided on Whether Dogs Should Be Allowed
News of the Delacombe attack spread rapidly online, prompting an outpouring of opinions from pet owners, parents, and the broader public — with views sharply divided on what the appropriate response should be.
Many called for an outright ban on dogs in Bunnings stores, arguing that retail environments are simply not appropriate places for animals.
- "Dogs do not belong in shops! The only ones permitted are working dogs!" one person wrote.
- "I don't know why people need to take their dogs shopping. It's not like they're giving an opinion on what to buy," another commenter said.
- One dog owner took a firm stance: "If I go to Bunnings with my dog he stays in the car. It's not a dog park."
Others suggested a middle ground — allowing dogs inside only if they are muzzled. One commenter said that even though their own dog is friendly, they always fit a muzzle as a precaution when visiting Bunnings. "Even though he's super friendly, it's always best to take precautions," they wrote.
A number of voices pushed back against calls for a blanket ban, arguing that responsible dog owners should not be penalised because of isolated incidents. "Tragic incidents happen, but demanding a ban or overreacting to every single event isn't realistic," one person commented. Another described bringing their dog to Bunnings as a family routine, saying the animal "sits in the trolley, on his blanket, and loves the attention."
Some commenters focused not on the dogs themselves but on public education, arguing that children and adults alike should be taught never to approach an unfamiliar dog without the owner's permission. "I also think that people of all ages should not approach any dog without permission from the owner," one person wrote. "Kids need to be aware that all dogs may not be friendly and caution must be a priority."
What Happens Next?
The City of Ballarat's investigation into the incident is ongoing. In the meantime, Bunnings' pet-friendly policy — a long-standing and at times beloved aspect of the brand's culture — remains in place, though the pressure on the company to revisit it is clearly growing. Whether this latest incident will finally prompt a formal policy change remains to be seen.
