DOG DISAPPEARS ON FERRY TRIP

SOCIAL media has reacted fiercely to the news of a young woman’s dog, Ester, missing from the Spirit of Tasmania – but the TT Line is tight-lipped on whether it will its change procedures.

Holly Alexander was travelling with her doberman rottweiler cross Ester to Victoria on the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday night.

She was unable to find her dog when the ferry docked in Melbourne and stayed on board searching for her pet until asked to leave by staff about noon on Tuesday.

The dog’s escape was first brought to the attention of the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday morning, and despite massive inquiry by social media, and emails and text messages to travellers, Ester had not been found by last night.

“I was woken up at midnight to one of the security guards telling me that she had escaped and that had been trying to get her but had no luck,” Ms Alexander said.

“They would only let me look for an hour and I waited in the bar as they kept looking.” Ms Alexander told the Mercury she went below deck with one of Ester’s toys and a harness to help search. But was later told to return to the upper decks.

Ms Alexander and Ester are moving from Tasmania to Tweed Heads.

“She is my best friend and I just want her back. Not knowing if she’s dead or alive is killing me. Please help,” she said.

“Spirit of Tasmania is working closely with the owner and supporting her efforts to locate Ester,” a spokesman for TT Line said.

Among suggestions for TT Line readers propose converting cabins into kennels.

“The treatment of pets by the Spirit of Tasmania is completely unacceptable, exposed kennels placed at the back of an open vehicle deck where carbon monoxide and other exhaust fumes notoriously concentrate on ships and where wave action is most exaggerated,” one person said.

Despite the tragedy, there are no plans in motion to change the way the Spirit transports pets.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Michael Ferguson has asked for answers.

“This is very upsetting for all involved, but especially Holly,” he said.

“The government has asked TT-Line to provide a detailed briefing on what occurred in this case, and what measures can be put in place to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

SHE IS MY BEST FRIEND AND I JUST WANT HER BACK. NOT KNOWING IF SHE’S DEAD OR ALIVE IS KILLING ME. PLEASE HELP HOLLY ALEXANDER