Tasha Maltby, 19 from Dewsbury,often goes for walks with her boyfriend, Dani, with Tasha on a dog leash - but the gothic couple were barred when they tried to get on a bus, being told "We don't let freaks and dogs like you on".

The driver, who was off duty but still in uniform at the time, supposedly pushed Dani off the vehicle after initially refusing the alternative couple entry.

The pair believe that they have fallen victim to discrimination against the unusual lifestyle they lead, which involves Tasha being treated and behaving like Dani's 'pet'.

She said: "It is my culture and my choice. I am a pet, I generally act animal-like and I lead a really easy life.

"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 isn't hurting anyone." Music Technology student Tasha believes that the incident, which happened in December, was down to the driver's belief that the two 'offend his sensibilities'.

"He is just really arrogant. It is only him that we have experienced problems with," she said. "All the other drivers have been really friendly."

And despite the police getting involved, Dani claims that a few weeks after the incident, the same driver drove past staring and grinning at him.

Tasha said: "It is definitely discrimination, almost like a hate crime. He can't blame it on the lead because afterwards he drove past staring and grinning when Dani was on his own."

And the couple, who live together in Dewsbury and are planning to start a family, have not been offended so much that they will sacrifice what they see as their culture. Tasha added: "I am what I am and I like who I am. I am happy being me."