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Pet owners wanting to get their animals onto public transport organized a ‘paw test’ outside NSW parliament.
Some of the attendees held signs with pictures of their dogs, who were unable to participate in the protest because they couldn’t catch the train.
Retailer Pet Circle has collected more than 20,000 signatures on an online petition calling for pets to be allowed on public transport and domestic flights.
The petition is addressed to Prime Minister Antoni Albanese’s dog Toto.
“Every pet parent in every corner of our country deserves the right to travel with their furry companions,” the company says in its petition.
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst attended the protest outside NSW Parliament on Thursday and said the state should change its rules on animals on public transport.
“The transport system is there to share, we have quiet carriages on the trains, there’s no reason we can’t have animal friendly carriages as well,” she said.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore backed allowing pets on public transport in September, noting her council has nearly 60,000 cats and dogs in an area where many residents do not own cars.
Accredited assistance animals are allowed on all public transport, but pets are prohibited on trains and stations.
Those contained on carriers are allowed onto buses, ferries and light rail with staff permission, but can be refused if a service is nearing capacity.
Policies for traveling with pets are being reviewed, a spokesman for NSW Transport Minister Jo Halen said.
“While we recognize the benefits of allowing pets on public transport, we must also consider the needs of other passengers, including disabled people and transport workers,” the spokesperson said.
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