“Pawtition” is calling for uniform regulations to allow pets on public transport and domestic planes.
-SURVEY FINDS OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR PETS BEING ALLOWED ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The ‘Pawtition’ is calling for uniform regulations across all states and territories to allow pets on buses, trains,
trams, and domestic planes.
13 May, 2024: Pet Circle, Australia’s largest online pet supplies retailer, is rallying the Australian public to sign their ‘Pawtition’ to place pressure on transport operators and ministers to meet the soaring demand for pets on transport.
-88 per cent of Australians are not opposed to allowing pets on public transport
-Close to 4 in 5 (79 per cent) Australians are comfortable with pets on public transport, including 46 percent who would like guidelines in place
-New ‘Pawtition’ is calling for uniform regulations across all states and territories to allow pets on transport
Sydney
The ‘Pawtition’ is calling for uniform regulations across all states and territories to allow pets on buses, trains, trams, and domestic planes.
The Hon. Emma Hurst, from Animal Justice Party, says, “We have quiet carriages on trains, why can’t we have animal friendly carriages as well? Companion animals on public transport will mean people without cars can get animals to the vets and dogs to dog parks. Plus, it will get cars off the road. Pounds and shelters are at capacity and our animal-UN friendly state is making matters worse. It is time for NSW to catch up with the rest of the world and start allowing animals on public transport.”
Allowing pets on transport not only benefits pet parents but also the wider community. It offers support to pet parents who don’t have access to or can’t drive cars, including those with a disability or the elderly, helping them reach key pet services like vets. It reduces the reliance on cars which is better for our climate, supports return-to-office initiatives, encourages exploration of new regions across Australia boosting the economy, and helps families save on parking, ride-share, car-share, and other relocation services.
This growing movement towards making transport more accessible to pets is evident in initiatives by transport providers like Virgin Australia, which recently announced its intention to permit select pets in cabins on designated domestic routes starting in 2025.]“Our petition is also directed to other domestic airlines to follow Virgin Australia in allowing pets in cabins in the\next year,” added Mr Wild.
As part of the campaign, a ‘pawtest’ will also be held in mid May at the NSW Parliament House, encouraging changes to regulations following suit of states like Victoria and all pet parents and supporters are welcome to attend.
Australians can sign the ‘Pawtition’ at www.change.org/PetsOnTransport.
