A middle-aged woman gives her seat to a dog on a bus in Chongqing. [Photo/Sina Weibo]

Woman gives pampered pet dog a bus seat in rush hour

A woman in her 50s who gave her seat to her pet dog on a crowded bus during the morning rush hour on Tuesday in Chongqing stirred controversy online with many questioning who should be given a seat on a public bus.

The woman carried her dog onto the bus by concealing it in a bag, and she refused to give up the seat to other passengers, including the elderly, by claiming that she bought a ticket for the dog, according to the Chongqing Morning Post.

Chongqing bans pets on public transport except in taxis, and even then owners must get the driver's permission. Violators face fines up to 1,000 yuan ($156), but it is rarely enforced.