A photo of two dogs sitting on the passenger seats in a light railway service in Sydney has lit an online debate, with many labeling the act as a “right”.
The image, published in Reddit, shows two small dogs sitting next to their owners, who remain in their straps.
“The typical dog owners who transmit public transport rules,” the original poster wrote.
The comments section was quickly filled with Sydneysiders divided by both the label and the legality of the situation.
One emphasized, “Great, now these dogs have their dirty cylinders that rub on all the seats. Gross.”
Another added, “I love dogs and I have a German shepherd myself, but I would never do it or want to see any other dog in public transport chairs.”
“As the owner of the dog myself, that makes me a lot.
Some also indicated possible health risks.
“I am generally pro-Dog in any debate, but the reality is that allergy to Dander Pet is one of the most common allergies. You can make people sick by putting these puppies in the seats,” a user wrote.
Others only saw it as a blatant disregard for shared spaces.
“I love dogs, but they wouldn’t. People have to respect public spaces,” said one person, while others described the movement as “unpleasant”, “clueless” and “useless”.
There were also concerns for people with diseases, disabled or fear of dogs.
“I do not want to take my disabled customers and/or immunocompromas by public transport so that this happens to them,” a woman wrote.
“It’s so avoidable, it’s silent.”
However, some supported the idea of dogs in public transport, arguing that Sydney stays behind other world cities, especially in Europe and the Americas, where dogs are usually allowed.
“In Europe, dogs are everywhere: trains, restaurants, etc.,” said a commentator.
“Too many rules in this country,” another added.
“For an outdoor city, it is madness such as people and snobs in terms of dogs,” a third party wrote.
Others argued that the strict rules of public transport disadvantaged to pet owners who do not have a car.
With 40 percent of Sydney’s households that have one or more dogs, the city has one of the highest dog ownership rates in the world.
Others said that they have seen a worse behavior on the part of people by public transport.
“I have seen humans behave worse on seats. I am not for it, but people disgust me more than dogs, to be honest,” one said.
“If we only limit some of the other animals allowed in public transport,” another joke.
According to Transport for NSW, only assistance animals are allowed with valid accreditation throughout the public transport of New South Wales.
For other pets, including dogs, the regulations are much stricter.
Pets can be allowed to travel on buses, ferries, light railway and taxis if they are limited to a box, a basket or other container, but they are not allowed at all meters and trains.
Permission of the staff or driver is still required, which can reject the animal if the service reaches the capacity, or whether the animal seems impure, vicious or probably annoying, threatening or annoying other customers.
According to the Passenger Transport Regulation (General) 2017, the fine for breaching these rules is $ 550.
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Image Source : nypost.com