Lain

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'I'm a human pet': The Goth teenager whose fiance walks her around on a dog lead
By CHRIS BROOKE - More by this author » Last updated at 16:43pm on 23rd January 2008

Given that she describes herself as a human pet – and is happy to walk around on a lead – Tasha Maltby is used to odd looks and even odder remarks.

But nothing had prepared her for the reaction of the bus driver who allegedly told the self-styled Goth and her boyfriend: "We don't let freaks and dogs like you on."

Miss Maltby and her fiance Dani Graves were so angered they have complained to the bus company of being "victimised".

"It is definitely discrimination, almost like a hate crime," 19-year-old Miss Maltby said yesterday.

The music technology student had this defence of her lifestyle.

"I am a pet, I generally act animal like and I lead a really easy life," she said.

"I don't cook or clean and I don't go anywhere without Dani. It might seem strange but it makes us both happy. It's my culture and my choice. It isn't hurting anyone."

The bus driver, however, has obviously not been listening.

He has repeatedly refused to allow Mr Graves, 25, and his "pet" on to his bus in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

Last month, with Miss Maltby on a leash as usual, the couple tried to board a bus at the bus station.

The driver, who was off duty, was standing near the door.

Mr Graves alleged: "He shoved me off the bus. He called us freaks and he called Tasha a dog.

"He said, 'We don't let freaks and dogs like you on'.

"He basically grabbed my T-shirt and slammed me backwards.

"I got a bit angry and called him a fascist pig."

In a separate incident, police were called when the driver, who has not been named, refused to allow other passengers on board after the couple ignored his orders and sat down.

The couple, who live on benefits in a council house and plan to start a family, have been friends for years.

They started going out together in July and became engaged in November.

Paul Adcock, of bus company Arriva Yorkshire, said: "We take any allegations of discrimination seriously.

"Mr Graves has already contacted us directly and as soon as our investigation has concluded we will inform him of the outcome."
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Er...well, I have met Goths before and majority that I meet are pretty nice. I don't think they were hurting anyone in the process. I don't know, maybe it's something I don't see around my area all too often.

migamoo

I wouldn't call it a hate crime, but it's definitely discrimination. But it's interesting that it's happened to others as well.

migamoo

I wouldn't call it a hate crime, but it's definitely discrimination. But it's interesting that it's happened to others as well.

S.A.S.H.A.

Ah, the memories of when my brother and I used to dress like that 24/7. *sniff* After 6 years of him having long hair (at one point below his elbows) it is now shorter than mine.

I'm sold!



Stupid driver, though.

Sasha

TheAngel

I had a lot of gothic kids at my school. Bondage pants, chains, piercings, heavy makeup, a kid with a foot high spiked mohawk. I really thought they were all nice people though. I hung out with some of them when I was in high school. I hate that the bus driver is discriminating against physical appearance. Hey, I like the not cooking or cleaning thing, but I think I'd have to cut it short at the leash thing though.

Papri

It's certainly not a commonly seen thing which is probably why the driver was so adamantly against it - ignorance = fear and all that. That doesn't excuse his violent behaviour though. It's certainly discrimination about the way they look/dress and that is wrong. But also - to have a person on a leash in public? I'm sorry, I know this sounds really un-PC but I think it's just distasteful to bring your bedroom practices to the public sphere, particularly a practice that is kind of derrogatory. She might be happy with it but the couple must realise that it's the kind of thing that might make people uncomfortable - I don't mean the black make up, clothes or piercings - I mean the manner of putting a lead around someone's neck.

The bus driver was clearly wrong in his attitude to the couple, but IMO the couple are best off keeping the kink to the bedroom.

Papri

Also, pic of the couple available here.

Lain

Well, at least they got a apology: News Source

I think they brought up a good point on what would happen if something goes wrong in the bus and her leash got caught in something.

By the way Sha, you need to fix the link. I think the URL looks a bit messed up.

S.A.S.H.A.

That's okay, your original post already has a link to a large picture of the couple.

Wow, I'm so desensitized that I didn't even view the leash thing as something kinky. It just reminded me of a newstory about a female taxi driver having a fit over a female passenger covered from head to toe with only her eyes visible, and much like this bus driver, refused to drive her and called her a freak and stuff. But at least they got an apology.

Sasha

sunnykerr

In terms of the apology, I think the company's just trying to save face. If the couple had just gone on their way and not brought so much attention to this, I really doubt anyone would have offered them any kind of an apology.

And, I don't know, I can see why, if we're being really zealous, the leash might seem as a potential safety risk... But this isn't Speed, you know? I'm sure the couple in question are well accustomed to handling it, seeing as it seems to be their way of life.

welshgirlyUK

I was suprised by the amount of media support the bus driver got in relation to this, considering how PC things are. I read several newspapers columns and morning TV debates supporting the driver and mocking the couple.

I'm not so sure it was them being goths that caused the reaction, i think it was the domination aspect of her being on a lead. I know it may sound un-PC or possibly ignorant of me, but if i was in the bus station shelter with them i'd most likely feel very uncomfortable and awkward.

migamoo

It doesn't sound like either one to me.