Dogs, cats and other pets are expected to be allowed greater access to bus, trains and trams after the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced proposals to relax existing rules on the carriage of pets on public transport.
The NTA has proposed introducing a policy that small dogs, cats and other small animals that do not threaten the safety of passengers may travel on bus, rail and Luas services.
However, they must not be allowed on seats and must remain on their owner’s lap or on the ground in a way that does not obstruct other passengers or passageways.
The proposed changes follow a consultation process conducted earlier this year in which the NTA received 2,567 submissions with a large majority of submissions strongly supportive of allowing pets to travel on public transport.
The NTA has published the findings of the public consultation.
The NTA has proposed that animals must be kept away from other animals to ensure the safety and comfort of other customers and pets.
It withdrew a proposal that small pets would be required to be carried in a suitable box, basket or other container while on board following strong opposition that the measure is impractical.
The NTA has also proposed that larger dogs may be carried provided they are on a lead and are muzzled.
However, it said larger dogs may be refused transport if services are reaching capacity.
There are no proposed changes to the existing policy which allows guide dogs and assistance dogs to travel on the Transport for Ireland network without any restriction.
However, they are required to wear a coat, medallion and lead that identifies them as working dogs, while a parent or guardian accompanying a child with an assistance dog will also be required to carry an ID card for the animal.
In addition, only one guide or assistance dog will be permitted per passenger.
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The NTA said responses to the public consultation were strongly supportive of allowing pets on public transport services “subject to clear and practical safeguards.”
Many indicated the measure would provide better access for people without cars and would make it easier for people to travel with their pets to vets, parks and on family visits.
They also claimed a change in policy would support environmental goals and a switch to greater use of public transport and reduced car dependency as well as bringing Ireland more closely aligned with most other European countries in relation to the carriage of pets on public transport.
Others cited the importance of the ability to travel with pets for inclusion and wellbeing particularly for older people, non-drivers, people living alone and people who have pets for companionship or emotional support.
Many complained that a requirement for small dogs to remain in a carrier or basket was impractical, while others questioned if all large dogs needed to be muzzled and suggested it should only be required for restricted breeds or where an individual animal presented a behavioural risk.
Opposition to any changes were substantially outnumbered by submissions supportive of the proposed policy with the main fears being allergies, fear of dogs and hygiene.
Other concerns were safety in enclosed spaces, crowding and difficulty in enforcing existing rules consistently in real operating conditions.
Both supporters and opponents of the proposed policy urged the NTA to consider introducing designated pet areas on public transport vehicles.
Among organisations making submissions were the Irish Blue Cross, the Irish Guides Dogs for the Blind, the Asthma Society of Ireland, the National Bus and Rail Union, Dogs Trust, the National Council for the Blind and Rail Users Ireland.
“The clearest message from the submissions is that the principle of pet access is broadly welcomed, and the proposed policy is seen to be as practical, proportionate, and enforceable with some suggestions added,” the NTA said.
However, it also acknowledged that many submissions highlighted the need to balance pet access with the needs of other passengers.
Transport operators as well as staff representative bodies and some community organisations expressed concern about operational and enforcement challenges with trade unions concerned about responsibilities placed on frontline workers.
The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind offered support for the change in policy but expressed caution about general pet access unless rules were tightly enforced because of the risk that uncontrolled dogs could undermine a guide dog partnership.
The National Council for the Blind opposed extending access to household pets on grounds of safety, hygiene, noise and conflict between animals.
The NTA said it would draft revisions of its own bye-laws and work with public transport operators to implement the necessary changes.
It added that it would take some time to finalise and implement the changes.