Doggie discrimination? New LTC pet policy leaves the big dogs at the curb
There is praise and criticism for the London Transit Commission (LTC) following its decision to allow some pets onto city buses.
At a meeting Tuesday, the commission recommended allowing small pets, including dogs and cats, on city buses starting March 1.
“I think it’s a good step in the right direction for sure,” stated Mark Thomson as he left a London dog park with his French bulldog, Leo.
The downtown resident owns a car but often opts for public transit. He told CTV News he is thrilled to know he can soon bring Leo on the bus as long as he follows LTC requirements.
The new policy calls for small domestic animals (exotic animals remain banned) to be in crates, which must be either carried on a rider's lap or be small enough to fit under a bus seat.
The LTC is late among Ontario transit authorities to permit pets. Ottawa’s policy is nearly exact and has been in effect for four years.
Outside of Ontario, Montreal is perhaps the most lenient. The city allows all dogs on a leash on metro trains, but only during certain hours.
Mark Thomson and his dog Leo on Jan. 26, 2023. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)Back at the London dog park, daily bus rider Barbara Walker was initially excited about the policy.
She hoped it meant she could bring her dog Molly on the bus.
“I think that would be great. To take her to the vet is very inconvenient. I have to borrow my mom’s car or we just don’t go,” she said.
But unfortunately, Molly will be too large to ride London’s buses.
“She wouldn’t follow those guidelines. I don’t think that’s fair,” sighed Walker.
It turns out the separation between the big dogs and the little dogs is not sitting well with dog owners of all sizes.
“It kind of doesn’t make sense. I guess either allow it or not because there are both ends of the coin,” said Pamela, the owner of a small dog.
But at a bus stop, riders said there is merit in the new LTC pet policy.
Barbara Walker, a daily bus rider, and her dog Molly on Jan. 26, 2023. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)One woman told us she will welcome pets onboard, but not with a free rein.
“As long as they’re in a carrier, restrained. As long as nobody takes advantage of the situation, I think that’s ok.”
Meanwhile, Walker hopes someday the policy will be broadened to allow Molly to ride.
“It is a start and maybe over time if it works out, they can extend to allow the bigger dogs.”
Meanwhile, the LTC and other transit authorities have had to consider the impact of the pet policies on those with service animals.
Some, including the Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee, have expressed worry service animals could be attacked or disrupted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.