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
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.