A viral Instagram post showing a pet placed inside a grocery basket at an SM mall has sparked heated debate online, with netizens calling for stricter enforcement of hygiene rules for animals in public spaces. The thread, which has amassed over 302,000 views, features strong opinions from both sides of the issue.
User @ajulang17, who posted the photo, wrote: “Ginawa na nilang tao. Di naman ako against na ituring nyo yang pamilya nyo, ganun din naman ako sa mga aso at pusa ko. Pero parang OA na yata yung ganyan. Nilalagyan yan ng pagkain eh.” The concern centers on the fact that grocery baskets are later used to carry food items.
In a follow-up comment, the same user emphasized that the post was meant to “raise awareness” and not to seek attention: “Pilit mong pinagtatanggol yang mali… Ang main point ng post na ito ay para mag raise ng awareness at hindi magpapansin.”
Some netizens expressed frustration at what they described as a growing sense of entitlement among certain pet owners. @generator_g1 commented: “Sa mga entitled na fur parents, tuloy nyo lng yan. Eventually the outrage will reach the mall admin and pagbabawalan na uli magpasok ng mga pets sa mall.”
Others pointed out the health risks. @missgazeiie described the act as “unsanitary, unhygienic, inappropriate and full of entitlement”, while @esistpixi warned: “Imagine yung ihi or laway ng aso napunas jan sa basket tapos gagamitin ng susunod na customer lalagyan niya din ng food.”
Some fur parents also weighed in, agreeing that boundaries should be respected. @__jangmixxi said: “Even if we love them like people, they’re still dogs or cats — with different bodies, needs, and tolerances… A stroller or pet carrier is safer and more hygienic for everyone.”
A number of users directly tagged @smsupermalls to address the matter, with @gurlitaspatatas urging: “If you really care about your customers… please do something about this.”
Under SM Supermalls’ current pet policy, animals are generally allowed in common areas, elevators, escalators, and designated Paw Parks, provided they are leashed, hand-carried, or placed in a carrier or stroller. However, pets are prohibited in certain areas such as dining tables, children’s play zones, chapels, and restrooms. Grocery baskets are not listed as approved carriers for pets.
