Pet owners who want to take their animals on public transport have staged a “pawtest” outside NSW parliament.
Some attendees held signs with pictures of their dogs, which were unable to make the protest because they could not catch the train.
Retailer Pet Circle has gathered more than 20,000 signatures for an online petition calling for pets to be allowed on public transport and domestic flights.
The petition is addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s dog, Toto.
“Every pet parent in every corner of our country deserves the right to travel with their furry companions,” the company says in its petition.
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst attended the protest outside NSW parliament on Thursday and said the state needed to change its rules around animals on public transport.
“The transport system is there to share, we’ve got quiet carriages on trains, there’s no reason why we can’t also have companion animal-friendly carriages as well,” she said.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore threw her support behind allowing pets on public transport in September, noting her council had close to 60,000 cats and dogs in an area where many residents did not own cars.
Accredited assistance animals are allowed on all public transport, but pets are banned from trains and stations.
Those contained in carriers are allowed on buses, ferries and light rail with staff permission, but may be refused if a service is nearing capacity.
Policies on pet travel were being examined, a spokesperson for NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.
“While we recognise the benefits of allowing pets on public transport, we must also consider the needs of other passengers, including individuals with disabilities and transport workers,” the spokesperson said.
