By CHRIS BROOKE

Last updated at 16:43 23 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".

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"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."