A McCafe employee approached the foreigner and reminded him politely that dogs weren't allowed in the section where he was sitting. Signs indicating that pets were disallowed were prominently displayed in the area.

The man reacted angrily and asked if any of the other customers sitting there minded the presence of his dog. Protesting loudly that McCafe should not be so inflexible, he added: 'That's the problem with Singapore. Everything is rules, rules, rules. I wouldn't be facing this if I were in the US or Europe.'

As I was sitting next to him, I told him that the McCafe employee was only doing his duty and could have got into trouble if he did not.

I left my contact details with McCafe in case a complaint was lodged against the employee, and a witness was needed. But I couldn't help feeling incensed over the behaviour of such insensitive people who give foreigners a bad name.

Cecilia Tan (Ms)