A bus passenger in a central Chinese city put her pet dog on a seat during the morning rush hour on Tuesday and refused to give it up, saying that she had bought a ticket for the animal, local media reported. The bus was crowded with passengers, but the dog’s owner – a woman in her 50s – ignored requests that she hold the dog in her arms and let other passengers, especially the elderly, use the seat, the Chongqing Morning Post reported. The city bans pets on public transport except taxis, and even then owners must get the driver’s permission. Violators face fines up to 1,000 yuan (HK$1,200), although the rule is seldom enforded. An official at the bus company said the woman put the dog in a cloth bag and fastened the zipper before getting on the bus, so the driver did not notice the animal. The woman escaped punishment. Three or four such cases are reported on the city’s buses every month, the official added.