‘Second class citizens’: Push for major Sydney change

A group of Australians are furious, claiming they are being treated as second-class citizens for this one reason.

Is it time for change?

There’s a renewed push for animals to be allowed on public transport in Sydney, with claims pet owners are currently being treated as second-class citizens.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore will write to Transport Minister Jo Haylen about changing the rules, it has been revealed prior to the council’s meeting on Monday.

“People with pets are still often made to feel like second-class citizens through unnecessarily restrictive policies about pets on public transport,” Moore wrote in her mayoral minute.

She said such restrictions have a big impact on residents, especially in a city where millions count themselves as pet owners.

“Social housing tenants tell me they cannot get their pet to a vet because they do not have access to a car,” she wrote, per the Sydney Morning Herald.

Clover Moore wants pets on trains.

“Older people report that they have been unable to visit relatives because they could not leave their pets at home alone overnight and could not afford alternatives to public transport,” the letter continued.

Pets are not allowed on trains in Sydney and also on regional services and stations.

However, they may be taken on light rail services as well as buses and ferries if the drivers agree.

Small pets should be in carriers.

It’s a stark contrast to Victoria, where small animals are permitted onboard. Larger dogs are allowed on trains wearing a muzzle and lead.

Owners must avoid travelling on weekdays between 7am and 9am or 4pm and 6pm.

Adelaide and Canberra have some similar rules.

Animal Justice Party MLC Emma Hurst is also pushing for the change, and is set to introduce a notice of motion to the state’s Legislative Council on Tuesday to hope for reform of the rules.

It’s been long battle – a petition to allow pets in the back carriage of Sydney Trains was launched in 2016 but did not gain enough support to bring the dream into reality, however it did attract 3388 signatures.

However, that wasn’t the only one – another petition in 2019 gained just under 50,000 signatures, and there have been more in the years since including a petition that is currently gaining attention.

This new petition will be scheduled for debate in the Legislative Assembly if it receives 20,000 signatures.

She said older people report that they have been unable to visit relatives beacuse they couldn’t bring their pets with them. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

A spokesperson for the Transport Minister said while she knew many passengers owned pets and that it would be great to take them on-board, this had to be balanced with the needs of others.

“These benefits must be carefully weighed with the needs of passengers with disability and transport workers,” the spokesperson said.

“The minister is currently seeking advice from Transport for NSW, advocates and stakeholders to ensure we get the balance right.”

Police and security dogs, as well as assistance animals, are permitted on stations and trains in Sydney.

Originally published as ‘Second class citizens’: Push for major Sydney change