Beggars in Melbourne, Australia, are reportedly using their pets to ask money from people who walk along the streets. One of those homeless men earns around $15,000 in a week just by tagging along a pet dog and his puppies.
News.com.au reported that many passers-by drop money in a bowl placed next to the beggar and his dog. It also noted that the sight is not an uplifting one because it is a clear exploitation of pets.
The same report noted that the homeless man does not use the money for good causes instead spends it on drugs for himself and junkie friends. Earning $200 a day using his pets, the beggar can surely finance his drug use.
According to Herald Sun, the man even posted on his Facebook page about his earnings with his dog "Sitting here ... with me sign saying homeless and dog bowl out to colect (sic) money doing this made $200 in my sleep the other night lol when I had the pups I made $15,000 in one f---ing week ... it all went on heroin with me and another couple of junkies,'' the report quoted the Facebook post as saying.
Reports have reached Herald Sun that the animals were only used as props by the beggars to earn more money. This prompted a Melbourne City Council to submit an inquiry on the restriction on the use of dogs in asking for donations or alms.
"Some are genuine homeless people who have pets as companions but there are people who aren't genuine and often brag about these things on social media," a council spokesperson noted. "We know of six people who are regularly in the city with dogs, cats, or litters of puppies, which draws a lot of attention."
It was added in the News.com.au report that the council understands the situation of these homeless people but noted that they should not take advantage of pets "for the sole purpose of begging."
