The dog, which was tethered to a fence outside the Rapid Creek market, was approached by two Darwin City Council inspectors who wrote out a ticket which was then taped to its lead.

Ray McEvoy witnessed the booking of the alleged infringement and told the Northern Territory News he couldn't believe his eyes.

"The lady tied the dog to the fence and gave him a bowl full of water. And off she went into the markets. Then two traffic inspectors came along. They had a bit of a talk and, to my amazement, wrote out a warning infringement notice for the dog and taped it to his lead rope," he said.

"It was on a path rarely used. And the owner made sure the dog was in the shade. It wasn't in distress at all. In fact, it was the most placid blue heeler I've seen in my life."

McEvoy, 48, said the dog wasn't near any food stalls and that the booking had even prompted one onlooker to take a photo.

Grant Fenton, a council spokesman, told the Northern Territory News that if an owner was not with their dog, then it was considered to be "at large".

The dog owner pursued the parking inspectors but the outcome is not known.

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Folklaw wonders if any lawyers will consider taking on the case pro bono - or should that be pro bone-o?