Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces backlash over a seemingly innocuous photo featuring him and his dog, Toto.

The images, shared on social media platform X, show Mr. Albanese and his cavoodle enjoying a walk outside Parliament House in Canberra.

In one of the photos, the pair poses against the iconic backdrop of Parliament House, with its prominent 81-meter flagpole.

Mr. Albanese, shielding his eyes from the winter sun with sunglasses and a South Sydney Rabbitohs cap, captioned the post: “Lawn at Parliament House = Toto approved.” The second image depicts Toto frolicking on the grassy area without a leash.

However, sharp-eyed observers quickly raised concerns regarding Toto’s off-leash status. According to ACT Government regulations, dogs are not permitted in the vicinity of Parliament House, regardless of whether they are leashed, with fines reaching up to $150 for violations.

It remains uncertain if Mr. Albanese possesses a special permit for walking Toto on these grounds.

Critics on social media accused the Prime Minister of disregarding the rules. One user expressed frustration, stating, “Apparently, the law doesn’t apply to Albo and his dog,” while another questioned whether the ACT government would impose a fine for the apparent infraction.

Many commenters felt the Prime Minister was disconnected from the realities faced by everyday Australians, with one asking, “For one day—just one day—can you not demonstrate how entirely disconnected you are from reality or entitled you are?”

Toto, estimated to be eight years old, has previously garnered attention for her travel habits. In October of last year, Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie questioned Air Force Chief Robert Chipman during a Senate hearing about Toto’s use of special-purpose aircraft.

Mr. Chipman acknowledged that while pets sometimes travel on official aircraft, comprehensive records of such journeys are not maintained.

This is not the first instance where Mr. Albanese’s social media posts involving Toto have stirred controversy.

In 2022, a photo featuring Toto during one of Mr. Albanese’s live media appearances was promptly deleted after inadvertently displaying the Prime Minister’s phone number on the dog’s collar.

Toto has become a notable figure alongside Mr. Albanese, splitting her time between Kirribilli House in Sydney and The Lodge in Canberra.

During an interview last year, the Prime Minister humorously described his pet as “a princess,” highlighting her specific dietary preferences. Fans have even created a social media account for Toto, branding her “Australia’s First Dog.”

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