Campaign to allow pet dogs on public transport

By Laurel-Lee Roderick
Updated November 5 2012 - 9:56pm, first published August 14 2009 - 11:05am
Phil Rath supports the notion of dogs on public transport. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Phil Rath supports the notion of dogs on public transport. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI

First they were unleashed in parks and on beaches. Now dog owners are campaigning for their pets to be allowed on buses and trains.Dogs NSW has called for an overhaul of the rules which stop animals - other than guide dogs or animals in a cage - from travelling on public transport.Veterinarian and Dogs NSW spokesman Dr Peter Higgins suggested Australian cities were out of step with others around the world - including London, New York, Paris and Geneva - where dogs are allowed on public transport.Dr Higgins said for a nation of dog lovers, Australia's attitude towards pets on public transport was outdated. He said pet owners without a car could not even take their dog to the vet and suggested a child fare could be charged for a dog."Buses, trains, planes and taxis should allow well socialised, trained and healthy animals on board," Dr Higgins said."Many cities in Europe, especially in Scandinavian countries, let dogs into cafes, restaurants, hotel rooms, on public transport and into shops without a problem." Figtree dog owner and Wollongong Dog Sports Club member Phil Rath said he was lucky he had a car to transport Murphy, a two-year-old Kerry Blue Terrier. "But there are a lot of people out there who don't have cars and we are all getting older. There would definitely be an advantage in allowing it," he said.But the idea isn't winning over Illawarra bus companies or Transport Minister David Campbell."There are no plans to change the laws around dogs travelling on public transport. The laws are in place for the safety and comfort of other passengers," Mr Campbell said.Premier Illawarra contract manager Sunny Brailey was reluctant to comment but suggested it could run into difficulties, particularly health issues, if it was extended beyond guide dogs.Les Dion, of Dion's Bus Service, was also happy to accommodate assistance dogs, as required by law, but was concerned about "opening up a big can of worms"."It could increase the risk of dog attacks on buses or people could feel uncomfortable," he said. "It could create some serious problems."Mr Dion said individuals had different ideas about what was a "trained" dog."We would not like to put our passengers at risk."Kiama Coachlines would consider allowing dogs on board only if they were muzzled and restrained.But managing director Gerard King was concerned about who would clean up any mess."I have infants on board and I would need to be satisfied there was no risk of a dog attack," he said.Greens Northern Coaches said the decision was up to the discretion of its drivers but the animals usually needed to be in a cage.

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