A Perth dog owner has kicked off a massive debate over Bunnings’ pet policy after complaining against the store’s “pathetic” rule.

The hardware chain unveiled a pet-friendly approach in 2015, but conditions on their website state that pets are only permitted if they are on a lead and wearing a muzzle. They are also allowed inside if carried or secured safely in a vehicle.

The tough conditions was reportedly introduced after a Jack Russell bit a five-year-old child shortly after the ‘pet-friendly’ stance was announced, sparking a brief blowback from customers.

Now the muzzle policy is back in the spotlight after a Perth customer took to Facebook to complain about a recent interaction one of the chain’s stores.

“You have to muzzle your dog in Bunnings?! Just because some silly kid didn’t ask permission before touching a dog and got nipped? F***ing pathetic,” she wrote.

“It wasn’t my f***ing dog that bit some brat. Mine are friendly and love people.”

The post had a mixed reaction, with several responders remarking about how they had always taken their dog into the stores without issue.

Speaking to News Corp, Bunnings chief operating officer Debbie Poole said the policy was used as a guide and at the discretion of each store.

“We understand that there are many differing views on this and after receiving a lot of feedback from customers and our team, we have really tried to use common sense to implement a balanced approach,” she said.