[Jan Fisher]

I catch the train most days in Melbourne and at least once a week there’s a dog and its owner on board. Victoria has some of the most lenient pet travel rules in Australia.

It doesn’t worry me too much, they are always well-behaved, which is more than I can say for some humans I’ve seen on trains.

But that’s a quick, 20-minute journey. I don’t think I’d enjoy an hours-long regional rail trip sitting next to a dog.

But NSW is different and Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore has called on the state government to allow pets on public transport. Currently, pets aren’t allowed on trains, buses and the Sydney metro network unless they are assistance animals. They must also always be in a basket or carrier and aren’t allowed on seats or passageways.

I can see both sides of the argument. It would be more convenient for owners, but then again, those owners are often the problem as well.

If the pet is well trained, well restrained and well behaved, then great. But too often pet owners are oblivious to their pets’ lack of public manners.

For example, I couldn’t count the times I’ve been faced with an in-your-face dog off leash on an on-leash beach. And less occasionally, been rushed by a dog that has not been trained properly.

And who cleans up with the inevitable ‘accident’?

So what do you think? Should we ease rules for pets on public transport? What rules would you like to see in place

So what do you think? Should there be more lenient rules

[Lynda]

I agree with dogs being allowed on public transport, however they do need to be well trained and socialized. As an owner of a therapy dog I do take him onto trains to socialise him, get him used to noises, different smells.
Its a matter of educating the owner as well as the animal, I see too many times that owners have dogs on a leash but are unaware what their dog is doing, how their dog is reacting.
I can understand that sometimes an owner may not drive, but needs to get the animal to a vet for vaccinations, care. If the animal is in a crate, harnessed, then that is ok.
There needs to be more consideration for reason that the animal needs to travel.
But agree that unsociable animals, those uncontrolled should not be on public transport.

[Bundabergian]

Have a look at much of Europe and you will find dogs allowed pretty much everywhere. They can go on transport and into pubs for example, even when you go in to eat. It is expected and accepted and no one seems to object.
Australia has some of the most draconian and pet-excluding laws we have found anywhere.

[John Pengilly]

Agree with all Lynda & Bundabergian says. I travel to the UK at least once a year for the past 30yrs where pets are allowed. They have all been well behaved and I have never seen any incidents on public transport or in pubs and eateries.

[Jacka]

Firstly I love dogs cats and most of God’s creatures, not that fussed on humans, for obvious reasons. No Way In The World should animals be allowed on Public Transport anywhere, (A large percentage of society shouldn’t be either) they should not be allowed into Restaurant’s, Cafes, Hotels, etc. Their animals, 1 minute they’re peeing on the foot path, sniffing each other’s asses, licking their genitals and you want to have them sitting on a seat next to you and other patrons on Public Transport, Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels, etc. What’s wrong with you people, you’re Farm Animals, that also shouldn’t be allowed in Public. Get a Reality Check on the way to your GP for whatever disease you’ve picked up from your hair little friend on Public Transport or while you’re engaging in a meal at a Public House. Grubs. JACKA.

[Marten]

I personally do not think that dogs or other animals should be allowed in trains, buses or other forms of public transport, nor other public places, such as restaurants, etc.

[Author]

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