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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteA shopper was seen with two rats on her shoulders while waiting to check out at Spudshed Ellenbrook on 13 February 2024, according to PerthNow. A customer described the busy-store sighting as surprising and raised concerns about the animals being near uncovered produce. The report does not say that food was contaminated or that anyone became ill.
What happened at Spudshed Ellenbrook?
PerthNow reported that the sighting took place at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 February 2024, as the shopper waited in the checkout line. The customer who described it said one rat was hairless and the other was black. The report was published the following day by Kayla Sellwood.
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The headline’s “shocked” framing reflects the customer’s account, not a measured response from all shoppers. The customer’s quoted question was: “Why would she bother to bring her rats to the shops?”
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What did the store say about the rats?
Melissa Osterhage, Galati Group’s head of marketing, told PerthNow that staff had not been aware of the rats until the woman was being processed at checkout. Osterhage said, “Pets are not allowed in the store,” while service animals were welcome and signage communicated the rule.
#1 Best Overall
- Small Animal Cage: This 3-tier critter cage measures 25"L x 17"W x 38"H with a 0.65-inch wire spacing, perfect for housing small pet rodents such as rats (including fancy and Dumbo rats), ferrets, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and small rabbits/bunny (such as Holland Lop, Netherland Dwarf, and Lionhead)
- Anti-Spill Guard Design: The rat cage bottom features a splash guard that keeps bedding, urine, and food debris neatly contained. It helps prevent messes, reduces cleaning frequency, and keeps your home clean
- Non-Slip Ramp & Spacious Platform: The wide platform offers a comfortable resting area for your pet, while the non-slip textured ramp ensures safety. Its gentle incline prevents falls and injuries, helping your pet climb with confidence and stay active and healthy
- Easy to Clean: Equipped with detachable, paw-friendly plastic floor grates that filter out food debris and waste, keeping the habitat clean and your pet tidy. The 1-inch removable tray holds more litter, while the rounded-corner base eliminates dead spots for effortless cleaning. All parts of the chinchilla cage are fully detachable—simply release the clips and lift the wire frame to separate the base for quick, thorough maintenance
- Escape-Proof Door Lock: Features a wide front door that allows easy access for your furry friends. The upgraded two-finger locking system of ferret cage provides double protection—preventing clever escapes and keeping your pet safe from other animals, so you can stay worry-free
PerthNow reported that the store had received no customer complaints. The article does not independently verify the signage or describe any action taken after the checkout encounter.
Was there evidence of a food-safety problem?
The customer said she was concerned that the rats were near uncovered fresh fruit and vegetables and worried about possible droppings. Those were concerns she expressed; PerthNow did not report finding droppings, contaminated food, illness, or an official investigation tied to the sighting.
Rank #2
- Two Story Double Unit Design: Features 4-tiers durable frame cage with full middle floor and 1/2-inch wire spacing, allowing pets to access between floors with ladder and durable wrought iron construction that is easy to assemble
- Tight Horizontal Wire Spacing: Narrow 1/2-inch wire spacing recommended for a wide variety of small animal critters to prevent escape and getting stuck, while allowing pets to fulfill their instinct to climb and explore in a secure environment
- Durable Front Access Doors: Features double large hinged front doors measuring 15 inches by 18 inches with improved safety lock, top hook door for easy access from the top measuring 8 inches by 9 inches, and includes 2 easy adjustable washable solid platforms and 2 anti-slip solid ramps safe for small animals
- Large Spacious Dimensions: Measures 24-inches long, 17.5-inches wide, and 53.5-inches high when placed on the rolling stand, providing ample space for small animals to move and play
- Complete Accessories Package: Includes 1 hammock, 1 water bottle, and 1 food bowl to provide everything needed for your small pet's comfort and care
Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s Animals factsheet summarizes Food Safety Standard 3.2.2. It says assistance animals must be allowed in customer-accessed areas of food premises, while live animals generally are not permitted in areas where food is handled, with exceptions including fish, seafood and shellfish. Pet dogs may be allowed in qualifying outdoor dining areas. The factsheet also says food businesses must prevent animals from contaminating food.
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That general guidance does not establish that the rats entered a food-handling area or that the supermarket breached a requirement. Specific legal obligations can depend on the circumstances and current official rules.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPACIOUS HABITAT: Measures 36 x 25 x 38.5 in. with a main level and upper shelf for comfortable living space. The 1/2" horizontal wire spacing safely contains chinchillas, rats, ferrets, sugar gliders & degus while allowing natural climbing behavior.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a gray quartz hammertone finish, Critter Nation resists everyday wear. Complete with removable base pan, textured ramp with cover, and a full-width resting shelf, it's ready for years of use.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR HABITAT: Height-adjustable design lets you customize the perfect setup for your pet, with a wide expanse shelf and full-width plastic pan floor to maximize play space. Compatible with our Add-On Unit for additional room.
- BUILT FOR DAILY LIFE: Full-width double doors provide maximum accessibility, with a swing-up locking ramp that lets you separate pets or section off areas during cleaning and feeding. Bottom level shelf provides storage area for pet accessories.
- BECAUSE LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
Rank #4
- SPACIOUS 2-STORY HABITAT: Measures 36 x 24 x 63 inches with two full levels of living space. The 1/2" horizontal wire spacing safely contains rats, chinchillas, ferrets, sugar gliders and degus while allowing natural climbing behavior.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a gray quartz hammertone finish, Critter Nation resists everyday wear. Complete with 2 removable base pans, 3 textured ramps with covers, and 2 full-width resting shelves.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR HABITAT: Height-adjustable design lets you customize the perfect setup for your pet, with 2 wide expanse shelves and 2 full-width plastic pan floors to maximize play space. Compatible with a wide range of accessories.
- BUILT FOR DAILY LIFE: Full-width double doors provide maximum accessibility, with a swing-up locking ramp that lets you separate pets or section off areas during cleaning and feeding. Bottom level shelf provides storage area for pet accessories.
- BECAUSE LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
Rank #3
- Easy Portable Design: Cage dimensions measure 24 inches length by 16 inches width by 24 inches height, featuring all-metal construction with 3 levels, wire shelves, and ladders with tight 3/8-inch cross bar spacing
- Narrow 3/8-Inch Wire Spacing: Prevents escape and stuck incidents for baby to adult size small animals including chinchillas, ferrets, rats, dwarf hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, gerbils, sugar gliders and other small critters
- Two Front Access Doors: Features doors measuring 6.5 inches by 11.5 inches with locking door clips for extra security, includes 1/2-inch wire spacing, metal grated floor, platforms and ladders with chew-proof construction
- Easy To Clean Design: Includes removable raised 3/8-inch bar spacing bottom grate and pull-out washable tray with animal safe epoxy coated finish for convenient maintenance
- Easy Foldable and Setup: Collapsible design folds for storage with two top side carrier handles for travel convenience, requires no tools for assembly and setup
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