Social media reacts to Holly Alexander’s lost dog Ester, who went missing on the Spirit of Tasmania
Social media has reacted fiercely to the news of a young woman’s dog Ester missing from the Spirit of Tasmania – but the TT Line is tight-lipped on whether it will its change procedures.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Social media has reacted fiercely to the news of a young woman’s dog Ester missing from the Spirit of Tasmania – but the TT Line is tight-lipped on whether it will its change procedures.
Holly Alexander was travelling with her doberman rottweiler cross Ester to Victoria on the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday night.
She was unable to find the dog when the ferry docked in Melbourne and stayed on board searching for her until asked to leave by staff around noon on Tuesday.
READ THE ORIGINAL STORY BELOW >>
Her pet’s escape was first brought to the attention of the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday morning, and despite massive inquiry by social media, and emails and text messages to travellers, Ester has not been found – almost 48 hours on.
“Spirit of Tasmania is working closely with the owner and supporting her efforts to locate Ester,” a spokesman for TT Line said.
Among suggestions TT Line would also be dealing with “assault charges” if they ever lost one commenter’s dog, others have been more helpful, proposing converting cabins into kennels.
“The treatment of pets by the Spirit of Tasmania is completely unacceptable, exposed kennels placed at the back of an open vehicle deck where carbon monoxide and other exhaust fumes notoriously concentrate on ships and where wave action is most exaggerated,” one person said.
“Inadequately secured cages with stressed dogs inadequately supervised, it’s a recipe for disaster.
“They need to urgently convert a couple of cabins into a kennel where the animals get fresh temperature controlled air, a steady supply of fresh water, staff supervision and owners can visit them.
“Too many dogs have died on these ships to let this go on any longer.”
Despite the tragedy, there are no plans in motion to change the way the Spirit takes pets.
TT Line declined to comment on whether any changes will be made and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson has asked for answers.
“This is very upsetting for all involved, but especially Holly,” he said.
“The government has asked TT-Line to provide a detailed briefing on what occurred in this case, and what measures can be put in place to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“I understand TT-Line is working with Holly to understand what has indeed happened and I join others in hoping that she can be reunited with her dog as soon as possible.”
EARLIER: IT’S every pet owner’s worst nightmare – losing a pet while travelling.
But it’s a nightmare that came true for Holly Alexander while travelling with her doberman rottweiler cross Ester to Victoria on the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday night.
“I was on the Spirit of Tasmania coming from Tasmania. I had put my dog in a kennel and checked it twice to make sure that the door was shut,” Ms Alexander shared in a desperate online plea for her dog’s whereabouts.
“I was woken up at midnight to one of the security guards telling me that she had escaped and that had been trying to get her but had no luck.
“They would only let me look for an hour and I waited in the bar as they kept looking.”
Ms Alexander told the Mercury she went below deck with one of Ester’s toys and a harness to help search. But was later told to return to the upper decks.
As the Spirit approached Victoria, Ms Alexander asked staff if she could go below deck to search for Ester again as she knew the departing cars, trucks and motorbikes would frighten her dog, but was denied entry to the lower decks.
“I was there up until midday refusing to leave as they said she just vanished,” she said
Ms Alexander and Ester are moving from Tasmania to Tweed Heads.
“She is my best friend and I just want her back. Not knowing if she’s dead or alive is killing me. Please help,” She exclaimed.
Ms Alexander, who needs to be in Tweed Heads by Thursday, said she will stay in Melbourne at least overnight where she plans to call pounds and dog homes as Spirit of Tasmania staff continue to look for Ester.
But come evening, she will be making the journey north, with or without Ester.
The Spirit of Tasmania said staff will continue to work with Ms Alexander to locate the dog.
TT-Line has since contacted passengers from the crossing via SMS and email alerting them of the missing dog.
“Spirit of Tasmania is working closely with the owner and supporting her efforts to locate Ester,” a spokesman said.
The Spirit of Tasmania also posted to Facebook appealing for Ester’s whereabouts.
“Despite a thorough search of the vessel, Ester has not been found suggesting that she may have left the vessel inside another passenger’s vehicle or trailer,” the post read.
Ferguson rallies support among his own ranks
Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson’s future in parliament is in jeopardy over the Spirit of Tasmania sage. A fellow Lib Minister has backed him in, slamming Labor over “silly political games”.
Should Hobart get red light cameras?
Two Hobart councillors say some Hobart intersections are becoming more dangerous, as impatient drivers race through orange and red lights. Should Hobart get red light cameras? POLL INSIDE >>