Australia has been moving towards a more pet-friendly environment, with dogs being welcomed into more public spaces than ever before.

We've seen this trend take flight, with major airlines allowing dogs into cabins on domestic flights.

But in the bustling heart of North Sydney, a local shopping centre’s recent decision has sparked a fiery debate among residents, leaving the community at odds over a seemingly simple rule change.



Mall 88 in St Leonards, a mere five kilometres northwest of Sydney's CBD, has implemented a ban on dogs in lifts, a move that has left many scratching their heads and others nodding in agreement.

The ban, introduced by Lane Cove Council, has been met with confusion, frustration, and support.


One local woman took to social media to express her surprise and concern over the new policy.

‘Is this because we need to keep our dogs safe from the disgusting and continuously dirty lift?’ she questioned.

‘What suggestions are there for people with dogs who can't physically manage the stairs?’

The community's response was as varied as the breeds of dogs that stroll through the shopping centre.

Some residents staunchly defended the presence of well-behaved dogs in lifts, saying, ‘dogs in this area are better behaved than most humans’.



Others, however, cited allergies, phobias, and traumatic experiences with dogs as valid reasons for the ban.

‘The lifts at 88 are for people with disability or mobility issues,’ one commented.

‘OK, but some people with disabilities have dogs,’ somebody responded.

The debate didn't stop there. Some pointed out the practical challenges the ban posed.

‘I’d like to point out that dogs aren’t to go on the escalators either,’ another person wrote.

‘So how do you get from the car park to the ground floor if not in the lift? I’ve used it with my dog many times for this exact reason,' one commenter explained.



In response to the uproar, a spokeswoman for Lane Cove Council clarified the decision.

‘The sign has been placed at the lifts by Council as a measure to help address a recurring issue of cleanliness in the lifts, she said.

‘Council had been receiving ongoing reports of a strong urine smell within the lifts and it became apparent over time that the issue was related to dogs urinating in the lift.’

‘As there are other networks of ramps and stairs to reach Wadanggari Park, the council has placed signage at the lifts in an attempt to reduce the impacts of dogs urinating within this space—as is the case with other scenarios, this does not apply to those with assistance dogs.’



In a similar story, Frankston Council in Melbourne enforced a ban on dogs within 10 metres of children’s playgrounds, with a $200 fine for non-compliance.

This ban resulted in mixed reactions from the community, with some slamming the regulation as overreaching, while others support the focus on child safety. You can read more about the story here.
Have you encountered similar pet-related policies in your local shopping centres? How do you feel about dogs in public spaces like elevators? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.