Aussies want pets on buses trains, trams

AUSTRALIANS love their dogs so much we want to travel with them on trains, trams and buses.

Dogs are such a big part of our daily lives, there’s a renewed push for them to travel with us, bringing Australia and its companion animals in line with other global cities.

European and US cities have welcomed pets on public transport for years, but in Australia, rules vary widely on doggy commutes.

A YouGov Galaxy poll commissioned by Dogs Of Oz found more than 55 per cent of Australians supported dogs on public transport.

In the Northern Territory, all animals are prohibited from public buses except for hearing, guide or assistant dogs.

But dog owners flouting the rules around transporting animals risk fines, being not allowed to board the bus, being asked to leave the bus, receiving warnings or being banned from the NT bus network.

On SealinkNT ferries, which go between the Tiwi Islands, Mandorah, Darwin and Groote Eylandt, dogs are allowed but must be muzzled and restrained and the passenger must be seated in the outdoor seating areas.

All other animals must be appropriately caged or restrained.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the NT Government had no plans to change the laws and allow pets on public transport.

“Public transport should be safe, reliable and best meet the needs of the community,” Ms Lawler said.

“That is why hearing, guide and assistance dogs are allowed on buses. There are no plans to extend these provisions.”