The internet is once again divided over whether Bunnings should ban dogs after a young girl was bitten at a Victorian store.

The girl was sitting in a shopping trolley when another customer’s rottweiler attacked her at Bunnings Delacombe about 11.10am on Wednesday.

She was rushed to Ballarat Base Hospital with a lower body injury, Ambulance Victoria said. 

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The City of Ballarat confirmed the incident and said the dog had since been euthanised.

“The dog was voluntarily surrendered by its owners for euthanasia, which took place on Wednesday afternoon,” development and growth director Natalie Robertson said. 

“The City of Ballarat will conduct a thorough investigation and is unable to comment further while that process is underway.”

Bunnings’ website states that assistance animals are always welcome, along with “well-behaved pets that are on a lead”. Credit: Bianca De Marchi/AAP

The incident reignited fierce debate online, with many arguing dogs should no longer be allowed inside Bunnings stores.

“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 said.

One dog owner said: “If I go to Bunnings with my dog he stays in the car. It’s not a dog park.”

Others argued only assistance animals should be allowed.

“I personally think that only service dogs should be allowed at shops. I also think that people of all ages should not approach any dog without permission from the owner. Kids need to be aware that all dogs may not be friendly and caution must be a priority,” one commenter wrote.

Some said dogs should still be permitted, but only if they are muzzled.

“If they want to allow dogs they should be muzzled,” one person wrote.

Another added: “I feel for the young girl, I do. Absolutely horrible thing to happen and I hope she’s OK. As a dog owner who often walks to Bunnings with my dog, I always have a muzzle on him. Even though he’s super friendly, it’s always best to take precautions.”

Some people say only assistance animals should be allowed, while others insist responsible owners shouldn’t be punished. Credit: Dogs of Bunnings - Australia & NZ/Facebook

Others argued banning dogs altogether would be an overreaction.

“Tragic incidents happen, but demanding a ban or overreacting to every single event isn’t realistic,” one commenter said.

Another wrote: “Sorry, but I’ll be taking my dog to Bunnings every darn time. He sits in the trolley, on his blanket, and loves the attention. He is our family.”

The debate is not new.

Bunnings previously said it would review its pet policy after another five-year-old girl was attacked by a dog inside its Melton store in 2015.

Bunnings’ website states that assistance animals are always welcome, along with “well-behaved pets that are on a lead”.

It is understood the retailer is currently focused on Wednesday’s incident and is not reviewing its broader pet policy at this stage.