Article: Bark and ride

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 14th August 2009 page 1

Bark and ride

[ozbob]

Melbourne 
http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/using-public-transport/animals-on-public-transport/

Metlink Metropolitan services

Dogs on leads are permitted on metropolitan trains, but only if they are muzzled.

It is strongly advised that passengers with dogs do not travel during weekdays between 7.00 am and 9.00 am and between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm.

Dogs are not allowed on seats, are not allowed to block doorways or gangways and must be controlled by their owner at all times.

Owners must clean up any mess created by their dogs.

Small animals can travel on metropolitan trains, trams and buses, but they must be in a suitable container.

[ozbob]

In Queensland assistance and guide dogs are permitted of course.  Any other animal is not allowed, $200 fine.

http://www.citytrain.com.au/plan_your_trip/conditions/conditions.asp

Allowing an animal other than guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other assistance animals on a railway     $200

http://www.citytrain.com.au/disability_access/overview/#Guide,%20hearing%20and%20assistance%20dogs

Guide, hearing and assistance dogs

People accompanied by a certified guide, hearing or assistance dog are welcome on QR stations and trains.  To be a certified guide, hearing or assistance dog, the dog must be trained by an accredited training organisation and be able to pass a public access test to ensure that they are safe and effective in a public place or public passenger vehicle, and be able to be controlled by a handler in all situations.

The dog handler must be in possession of a Handlers Identity Card and a valid ticket, pass or Translink go card  for their journey.   The handler must present their identity card if requested by QR staff at stations or onboard services and, ensure that the certified guide, hearing or assistance dog is wearing the appropriate badge on a coat or harness.

Approved trainers, employee trainers and puppy carers must carry a Trainers Identification Card.  They must also ensure the certified dog is wearing the appropriate badge on a coat or harness.

For further information on Identity Cards and how to apply visit the Disability Services QLD website www.disability.qld.gov.au or telephone 1800 210 976.

[ozbob]

I love the headline for this article in the mX   Bark and ride!   

[#Metro]

Dogs!? What about a bicycle? You can't take a bicycle during peak hour unless it is one of those horrid fold up ones which nobody uses anyway...

[ButFli]

Animals should be banned unless they are in a container. Animal owners can't be trusted to clean up their mess from my driveway so I won't trust them to clean up their mess in a train either.

There is barely enough room for humans we don't need animlas too.

[Emmie]

Should anyone be really interested in this topic (I'm not, the dogs are homebodies) you might like to listen to the following on ABC Radio National:

Friday 21 August

LIFE MATTERS with Richard Aedy - Friday talkback : It's a dog's life
Weekdays 9am, repeat 9pm (except Friday)
In some countries dogs are a common sight on public transport and in restaurants. Here in Australia some owners want the same rights for their four-legged friends. What do you think? Call 1300 22 55 76 after 9am

[WTN]

I'm going to agree with ButFli with this one.  Animals should be in a suitable enclosure/container because of the potential mess that no one wants to clean up.  Stained carpets and seats?  No thanks!