Commuting can be challenging at the best of times—juggling schedules, crowded trains, and the daily hustle and bustle. But it becomes even trickier when you bring your furry friend along.
Recently, a photo snapped on light rail has unleashed a storm of debate, with commuters and dog lovers barking their opinions across the internet.
The image, posted on social media, shows two small dogs perched comfortably on passenger seats, leashes in hand, their owners sitting beside them.
What might seem like a harmless—even adorable—scene to some has others seeing red, with accusations of ‘entitled’ behaviour and disregard for public transport etiquette flying thick and fast.
The original poster didn’t mince words, labelling the dog owners as ‘typical entitled dog owners flouting public transport rules’.
The comment section quickly became a battleground, with Sydney residents and dog owners divided over whether the act was a harmless breach or a serious faux pas.
Some commuters were quick to point out the hygiene issue. ‘Great, now those dogs have their dirty butts rubbing all over the seats. Gross,’ one wrote.
Another, a self-confessed dog lover, chimed in: ‘I love dogs and have a German Shepherd myself, but I would never do this nor want to see any other dog on public transport chairs.’
Others took a broader view, raising concerns about health risks.
‘Pet dander allergy is one of the most common allergies. You can make people sick by putting these pups on seats,’ one user noted.
For many, the issue boiled down to respect for shared spaces. ‘I love dogs, but I wouldn’t do this. People need to respect public spaces,’ one commenter said.
There were also concerns for vulnerable passengers. ‘I don’t want to take my disabled and/or immunocompromised clients on public transport for something like this to happen to them,’ one woman wrote.
Not everyone was up in arms. Some commenters pointed out that Sydney’s rules around dogs on public transport are stricter than in many other global cities.
‘In Europe, dogs are everywhere: trains, restaurants, etc.,’ one person observed.
Another added, ‘Too many rules in this country.’ Some felt Sydney was lagging behind for a city that prides itself on being outdoorsy and dog-friendly.
Others argued that strict rules disadvantage pet owners who don’t own a car, making it harder for them to get around with their furry friends.
With around 40 per cent of Sydney households owning at least one dog, this debate is not going away anytime soon.
And, as a few wry commenters pointed out, ‘I’ve seen humans behaving worse in the seats. I’m not for it, but people disgust me more than dogs, to be honest.’
Another joked, ‘If only we limited some of the other animals allowed on public transport.’
So, what does the law say? Transport for New South Wales states that only assistance animals with valid accreditation are permitted on all public transport in New South Wales.
The rules are much tighter for other pets, including dogs. Pets may be allowed on buses, ferries, light rail, and taxis if confined in a box, basket, or other container and only with the driver’s or staff’s permission.
They’re not allowed at all on Metros and trains. Even then, staff can refuse entry if the animal appears unclean, aggressive, or likely to inconvenience other passengers.
And if you’re caught breaking the rules? You could be hit with a $550 fine under the Passenger Transport General Regulation 2017.
Have you ever encountered dogs on public transport? Did it bother you, or think it was no big deal? And if you’re a dog owner, how do you navigate getting around the city with your furry friend? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
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On the floor not a seat and only if it is an assistance animal. People should be fined for allowing their dog to sit on a seat.
Dogs should definitely not be on seats. Most public transport has limited seating, and those seats are needed by human beings.