Moogly and his owner began their day like any other, with the Golden Retriever calmly dozing as they travelled on a high-speed train in France.
But things took a turn, when French MP Anne-Yvonne Le Dain shared a photograph on social media platform X.
Unexpected controversy
"This is France... Are we French actually still taken seriously", began the MP in her post. "There is a very large dog on the train, without a muzzle. Even though it is MANDATORY. The conductor is just ahead of the dog and has said nothing, and neither have any of the passengers!"
Viewed 5.5 million times, her post quickly caught the eye of popular journalist Hugo Clément, who is known to be active on social media networks.
He responded publicly to the allegations, explaining that he had spoken to Moogly's owner directly. The 8-year-old Retriever travels with a muzzle, which he wears as soon as a passenger shows any sign of discomfort.
"Next time, why not start a dialogue with the person before taking to Twitter", writes Clément.
Railway regulations
Passengers travelling on the French railway SNCF are allowed to take small animals in a bag or basket, provided this can fit by their feet. Animals over 6kg must wear a muzzle at all times on the train.
On the UK's National Rail service, up to two pets are permitted free of charge. They must be kept on-lead or in a carrier, depending on what the animal is more comfortable with.
