Public Transport - Small dog Big bark

The report from the Senate Inquiry on Public Transport will be tabled in federal parliament on 20 August. Members of Barking Mad contributed 10% of the submissions received - just for us and our dogs. Well done for our small, unfunded lobby group!

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

Be positive – our submissions for dogs on public transport were a full 10% of submissions received – this is massive! For a tiny, struggling organisation, this is such a great show of our influence.

1. Write letters to the editor. Use your local paper and the Greens media page for easy access to the media.
   
   
2. Write, call, fax AND email your federal member. If you don’t know your electorate, find it here.
   
   
3. Write to the Greens. We want them to add pet owner access to their public transport policy. Email Bob Brown, party leader and Senator Ludlam, spokesperson for public transport.
   
   
4. HELP AT THE BARKING MAD OFFICE. We are beachside on the NSW central coast in a dog friendly community on a dog friendly beach. Accommodation available and help is desperately needed even for a day (due to my ill-health).
   
   
5. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE WHO IS WILLING TO CLICK A FEW BUTTONS for our pets. Remember that each letter received by a member of parliament is counted as the view of about 100 voters.
   
   
6. EMAIL DOGS NSW. Suggest they work WITH us (not just plagiarise our work). Transport contact, office contact.
   
   
7. Send a press release. If you can help us get a press release out, or would like to make a donation so that we can hire someone to help, please email me .
   
   
8. Make a donation - $5 or more - we are resourceful and every $ counts. Bendigo Bank, BSB: 633-000, Account: 128910064
   
   
9. AND USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WITH YOUR TRAINED DOG! Enjoy the community and conversation just because you're joining the masses with a beautiful friend!
   

Plan to open up Wollongong beaches to dogs

Ok - not just to dogs but dogs AND their loving, joyful responsible owners and guardians! Hooray, they have recognised in the discussion paper the NEED (we say legal requirement under the Local Government Act) to provide services for the 40% of ratepayers with dogs. Wonder where they got that idea from. ;-) Media 1-July Media 6-July

Read the discussion paper and make sure to have your say in the consultation.

I asked a ranger of an adjoining council why dogs were banned from beaches. He said, because of the perception of dog poo litter. I asked him why they didn't ban McDonalds and drink bottles because there is heaps of junk food litter - he said because they don't get complaints. It's a crazy system which forces a regulator to cater to the whingers instead of the PURPOSE of the law they work under - providing equitable, adequate and appropriate services.

Here are some of our initial thoughts - we are still working with members in the area. Barking Mad will be making a submission and I encourage all members to do the same, even if you can't comment on the specific beaches.

Traffic Light System:
Yes, it is much fairer than at present to all community members; recommend changing the orange zone following what Coffs Harbour City Council has in place is already working well for them and is fair to all members of the community. Their traffic light system is again Red – Dogs Prohibited, Green – Leash free areas but the other areas (what would be your proposed yellow areas) are “Dogs are Allowed on a Leash” beaches.
Alternative: No, anywhere on a lead.

Zero tolerance policy for animal control offences:
Absolutely not. The wording itself offensive – isn’t this the type of wording used against murderers in New York? These are very strong words and should be used in very severe circumstances. If we are talking about the simple, healthy pleasure of walking your dog along the beach this is way over the top. Recommend to encourage tourism dollars via pet owners.

Claiming to maintain a zero tolerance policy is a negligent misstatement. Even if Council DID maintain a zero tolerance policy how can it be justified as an appropriate use of resources?

For example, compare the number of offences for drinking in alcohol prohibited areas to dog on beach, or dog off lead. We know alcohol fuels violence and other anti-social behaviour, so resources should be applied in these areas more.

Time Share
Time share is discriminatory especially towards women and families. It is also a regulatory nightmare. It is only appropriate a main beach in a city.

Specific Comments on W'gong proposal
Managing a community space is about sharing and the present situation allows dog owners 10% of the public beach space when they represent 40% of the community. In fact during the winter times the only people on the beach are dog walkers, surfers and fishers.

Walking your dog on a beach should be encouraged as a healthy way for the community to meet and dogs and owners to socialise. An unsocialised, unexercised dog can create a problem.

One argument many non dog owners seem to sprout is dog poo. Dog owners appreciate the beauty of the beach and want to keep these areas that way. 90% are compliant in picking up dog poo. We are educating the other 10%. Many people are seen also carrying plastic bags with them to pick up other rubbish on the beach. They are an asset to the environment. I

Providing more off leash areas with bins and poo bags is proven to achieve better compliance with the pick-up culture.

Man unpatrolled beaches have become isolated and therefore dangerous since council’s absurd policy of banning dogs and their owners from beaches.

General comments on urban animal management
Principles – off leash areas should be accessible and proportional to the population, and available resources, such as 40% of the 16km for off leash. The remaining areas should be on-leash areas (excepting the rock pools).

Education should take a larger application or resources than policing to reflect the knowledge established by urban animal professionals.

Any debate as to whether people like or dislike dogs is irrelevant. Like is not a requirement in a pluralistic society. Statute is. The current noise, crime, animal and other relevant acts provide a solid regulatory base to take punitive measures against bad behaviour.

Council would do well to dispel the myth that dog poo is a health or environmental risk. It is not, especially so due to our hot and or dry climate. Council would do well to dispel the myths that vaccinated dogs are better to be around humans. Dogs are not vaccinated for any zoonotic condition. Council would do well to encourage regular worming of dogs. Dogs can create a public safety risk and this needs to be managed in context of all the risks we deal with daily.

Dog litter should not be treated any differently than other litter. Council does not ban McDonalds or Pepsi because of the litter THEY create, so why blame the dog owner if they miss a poo? Doing so can be construed to be vilification.

Council would do well to implement dog-share as a strategy for nuisance barking dogs.

And, above all, remember the ANY dog can go into Dept. of Health facilities, i.e. hospitals, so try not to think that a local council knows more about health then DOH.

Barking Dogs - How to Share the Joy

Response to recent media on dogs barking.

I too am frustrated by urban residents who permit their dog/s to bark unnecessarily. Even in semi-rural areas, the sound of a dog barking pierces a quiet, peaceful night. It is no longer accepted behaviour, though it is as organic to some dogs as talking on a mobile phone in public is for some people.

But annoyances should be viewed in context. Unlike the ubiquitous and more annoying car or house alarms, the benefits of the companion dog cannot be underestimated. Though some will abhor the choice of expensive accessories, the economic contribution of $4.6 billion annually from pet owners should not be overlooked. Think about this number the next time our government cancels a $500,000 project to your disgust. Alternatively, consider that this is a greater contribution than fishing/forestry combined. Though fish don’t bark, fishing has its own pros and cons, including beach and sea litter.

Quoting NSW Dept. of Health: Animals visit older people in nursing homes, young people in paediatric wards, trauma victims in acute care wards, and people under care in mental health and palliative care services. They provide comfort, entertainment, distraction, solace and a unique form of interaction. The benefits of these visits are well established and comprehensively documented.

There is no such comparison of an public-health benefit for other urban noise such as alarms, diesel buses, pool pumps, the neighbours air conditioner, etc.

As our homes get smaller, and single-person homes become the majority, the solace and motivation a companion dog provides to get out and walk must not be negated just because dogs bark.

It's said that 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name (SMH Letters, 17 April); I would suggest 10% of dog owners annoy others so much as to blind them to the proven benefits of pet-ownership.

Banning dogs from every public space doesn’t work. In Europe dogs are better-behaved and invited into more community spaces. We live in a pluralistic society; if you are annoyed by a dog barking, why not offer to co-parent or pet-sit, then you can share the joy. If the dog is happier or not alone as much, it’s likely to bark less. If this doesn’t work, for the benefit of us responsible owners, throw the noise-regulation book at them. 'Thou shalt not be annoyed by a nuisance dog' has a place is legislation - truly.

Senate Inquiry into Public Transport - submissions closing soon

Greens launch Senate Inquiry - Have your say on Australia's Public Transport

Submissions are due by Friday 27 February 2009

Details - terms of reference and how to make submissions.

Barking Mad will be making a submission based on our draft policy. We've had quite a lively debate on this blog about pets on public transport and our proposed 'doggie license' that provides training for dog and handler so that when passed, allows a dog into more public spaces.

You can download our draft Senate submission and Georgie's transport story (Georgie in the bag in this photo) here.

The Greens want to increase the use of public transport; here are some of their media releases:
Government should not waste opportunity to create sustainable cities

Greens turn up the heat on transport

Greens: PM should boost public transport spending

MEMBERS SPEAK OUT: Transport

We've received buckets of mail about our upcoming meeting with a public transport provider. Here is a selection:

I'm in favour of anything that allows us to take our dogs on public transport. Training, registration - whatever it takes really. J.T.

I would love to be able to take my dogs on a train and bus so I would be happy to comply with any form of test/ fee/ regulation. All I want is to be able to catch a train so I can meet friends in the park or on the beach, be able to have a few drinks and then get home safely. S.A.



We should be able to take our dogs onto public transport as long as they are well behaved, and on a short lead. In Europe dogs traveling on trains are so well behaved, there are times you would not notice the dog at all even sitting next to it. I feel we have so many restrictions on where we can take our dogs, in the end it has caused so many problems as they are not socialised enough. D.O.

If someone (pet or people) does not behave well on public transport they should not be allowed to use it. The problem is to define what is bad behaviour. There have to be some guidelines (that are almost the same as for humans).

• Pets not on seat - no shoes on seats
• No noise - barking, whining, excessive use of mobiles and loud Ipods
• No aggression - growling, lunge, elbows, stepping on toes
• Other traveller should not be soiled - jumping, dribble, sweat and alcohol perspiration
• No food/feeding.

So basically the same as for humans - which shows that there are no extra rules necessary really; and it shows as well what a highly regulated society we already live in. Definitely all rules should be applied with the same lenience as towards the human travellers. It is up to the conductor/driver to enforce good behaviour in their vehicles; the are the only ones that would need training. A.A.

Barking Mad Comments: Self regulation is another option. I've seen people sharing a train or bus take on people using offensive language and it worked.

I would really appreciate being able to take my dog on public transport and into more public places. I subscribe to the notion that the dog should be well behaved and under the total control of the owner (carer) at any given time. It is time that we the dog lovers/owners voiced our opinions to the many and various councils around this great country. I also think it would help if it was a federal ruling so that the rules would be the same all over the country. L.P.

To facilitate pets to travel on trains and avoid animal haters from complaining I think the dedicated pet-carriage is a good idea. Then people who like animals can choose to travel in that compartment with other people and their pets. Then you won't have the others complaining about noise, smell etc.

Clearly identify that persons and their companion animals can travel in a particular carriage. This will provide persons who do not have private transport the ability to commute without having to pay expensive pet taxis. Additionally, it will also create a community environment, because you know that people who travel in that dedicated area are pet lovers, whether they have one or not.

My dog is the love of my life. He currently travels on my motor scooter with me and is the reason why I got my scooter license. I can't afford a car and wanted to take him everywhere I could with him. Its not particularly good on longer trips and when weather is inclement. Having the option to travel by train to see my parents would be great. Currently I would not attempt the trip on the M5 on my bike...far to dangerous, so my elderly parents have to drive down to my place in Redfern.

I am one of the many pet owners with an unseen disability. For nearly 20 years I have suffered with (edited for privacy). Although I am still on medication and probably will be for the rest of my life, my dog has helped me so much I can't explain. He knows when I'm not well and snuggles with me. He gives me a reason to wake up, get out to the park and feel better. He is priceless and there is nothing I wouldn't do for him. Congratulations on all your hard work and dedication. (private)

Thanks for all your good work. I think some sort of test to gain a 'ticket' for dogs to travel on public transport would be necessary. Maybe this would act as an encouragement for dog owners to train their dogs adequately. No one wants an antisocial dog next to them on public transport - but then a well-behaved one would be a great advertisement! D. B.

Barking Mad Comments on the great advertisement: We know! Pema travels on public transport with her command of 'in your house' that sends her under the seat. However, when people DO notice her, over and over and over, they want to pat her, meet her, have her entertain their child in a pram. She either goes unnoticed, or is the facilitator of a community of joy created on a train or bus giving people 20 minutes of connection, joy and laughter. Today we visited Gosford Hospital (as we have done on Fridays for two years), a mental health clinic and a bank. It took A LONG TIME to get out of the bank as Pema had 5 staff enjoying her company while I dealt with a foreign currency exchange. Joy. Bliss. Community. The bank staff got out their photos - printed or on their phones or computer backgrounds and showed me their dogs. What a cack!!!

I'm a single woman with one small dog and two cats. I don't drive or have access to a car. For me to get my pets to a vet costs me at least $30 each way in a cab, which isn't cheap! Generally the cab drivers are quite rude as they don't want 'hair in their cabs' and so it is difficult to pin one down- not helpful in emergencies.

I think it is vital to have a service for people with pets who don't have cars to be able to transport their pets. Public transport is paid for by tax payers and we have the right to be able to use it for ourselves and our animals. Obviously the animals need to be restrained, confined and should be well behaved. But we really need this. I'd hate to think of animals going untreated due to the difficulties getting them to a vet.

I would also love the opportunity to be able to take my dog to agility classes, dog training etc (as there is none available in my area) on public transport. I lived in London where pets are always allowed on public transport and there is never any problems. Done properly, this is a vital service for communities and individuals.

Not everyone can afford to own a car or even get access to one when it is needed. We need to be able to provide a service for all pet owners. J.L.

Most dog owners that I know have had their dogs do some sort of training. Mine, for example, has a Canine Good Citizen certificate, which means that he is well behaved and can follow commands. I support your efforts and also think that some sort of training/certificate should be sufficient for the powers that be. U.A.

I think it is very important to have some sort of training program in place as a large or even a small poorly controlled dog with aggression issues (either to other dogs or humans) could put the whole cause back in the dark ages. Socialising dogs and teaching them appropriate manners is a lot different from an obedience trained dog. Some sort of temperament testing as well as handler control testing, maybe even requesting that some dogs be required to wear a muzzle on public transport might not be as bad as it sounds to some people. There will be always be people who think their dog is perfect but in fact the opposite is the case. Also there are people who will abuse the system.

I would suggest a list of criteria the dog must be able to pass before it is allowed to travel on public transport. As an example just expecting a dog to have say the Community Companion Dog (CCD -gained through dog obedience trials) certificate would not be enough. I have seen dogs who have this title or higher but can be aggressive towards certain other dog types.

I think allocating carriages for people to travel on is also an excellent idea. It allows people who are not dog friendly (either psychologically or physically) to be sure they will not have to have dogs in their faces. I would love to be able to get on the ferry at Stockton and cross the harbour across to Newcastle with my 2 dogs. It would mean an easier access to the dog beach at Horseshoe Beach on Newcastle Harbour. Also being able to travel by train & bus from Newcastle to Sydney with my dogs would be great.


Read our letters from the transport and other ministers in support (link in progress, the writer has problems with her scanning technology!)

Pets on Public Transport

Barking Mad (and mascot dog Pema) attended the Central Coast NSW Cabinet Meeting tonight.

Bag the government all you want, focus on the cuts to the department bureaucrats, the new budget deficit, scandals involving behaviour from MPs we would otherwise adore if from our footie teams. However, the opportunity to spend a few hours with all the State government ministers who have travelled to your regional area should not be bagged. Just because you are dissatisfied with community infrastructure, years of un-fulfilled promises, marginal seat financial gifts, etc., when an entire state government travels to your area, it's democracy in action.

Barking Mad as an organisation is cynical too - why fine a mother with her toddler as sole attendees at a playground $330 because she has her dog with her? Why fine people who park where they reduce visibility in pedestrian/school crossings less than the mum, bub and dog at the playground?

Just 200 people attended Toukley Senior Citizens auditorium to be part of the government’s roadshow which allowed people access to the Premier and his ministers.

Community Cabinet Meetings

Barking Mad fielded two questions at Premier Nathan Rees, including our suggestion the government use valet parking at railway stations (fit more cars into existing spaces and providing employment and security), and the ability to travel on public transport with our well behaved pets.

National Disability Strategy

Have your say about the National Disability Strategy Submissions must be received by Monday 1 December 2008.

• National Disability Strategy discussion paper
  
• RTF version [128kB]

Dogs, and pets in general, are extremely useful in dealing with the majority of disabilities. Remember that one in five Australians has a disability, and that 88% of these are invisible!

We have an appalling legal situation in regards to Assistance Animals. Although we have excellent Federal legislation, and court cases to support self-trained assistance animals, we have State Laws that DO NOT acknowledge these animals. For example, in NSW a dog trained to assist a person with an invisible disability (such as diabetes, epilepsy, phobia etc) simply CAN NOT be registered as an assistance animal. Help us help dogs help people. You can make your own submission, or send your views to Barking Mad and I will include them in our submission.

Dogs on! Sydney Northern Beaches

OUR ELECTION LOBBYING IS PAYING OFF:
COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, 14th October. Notice of Motion No 5/2008

Equitable Access to Community Space for Unleashed Dog Walking and to Beaches for Swimming, Submitted by: Cr Vincent De Luca OAM

That this Council resolves to:

• Note that 42% of Warringah’s residents own a dog.
• Note that currently there are no swimming areas available for dogs in the Warringah Council area.
• That Council officers conduct public consultation with Barking Mad Australia and members of the community as to options for unleashed dog walking and access to beaches for dog swimming and furnish a report to Council within three months regarding results of public consultation and options available.
  

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: (Must include full name and address to count).

CLICK TO SEND your support to Barking Mad
CLICK TO SEND an email to The Mayor

Barking Mad is ready with a consultation plan and questions, the beach areas we want and the case-law to take away any doubt that Warringah Council has the legislative instrument & imperative to make this happen without the approval of 13 other State agencies.

BARKING MAD is funded by responsible pet owners and carers. If you support what we do for you, please MAKE A DONATION.

Six Years of Hiding our Right to Public Transport

"Just thought you’d be pleased to hear I was successful yesterday in taking my dog on Newcastle buses for the first time. I had the support of a letter dated 14/2/2002 from Michael Deegan, Director General, Transport NSW advising that 'companion animals are permitted to board bus or ferry services. … at the discretion of the operator, keeping in mind the safety of other passengers, the cleanliness of the animal and whether the animal is restrained.' The driver was somewhat sceptical but acquiesced nonetheless."
Ian McKenzie
Councillor (Greens)
Newcastle City Council

Barking Mad Comments: YES, that is a letter dated 2002 - what other rights do they try to keep hidden from responsible pet owners? How about Council's lack of authority on beaches as stated in a plan of managment?

Free Membership to the Pack

Calling all responsible pet owners that want more access to beaches, parks, transport and accommodation. You can now join Barking Mad for FREE by completing our survey. (Sept08 - This special offer has now closed, check here as we have special offers from time-to-time). We have an active campaign for pets on public transport - the same as in London. We need 10,000 signed up members to get this on the radar, so tell your friends and let's get some positive change now.

A most unusual apology - VOTE

Maybe it's a green thing. Maybe the transport 'guys' see their big buses, trains and timetables and not the social and environmental importance of public transport, especially to our ageing population. Maybe State Transit has a sense of humour I don't get.

But after they admitted to the media I was travelling legally - after I was arrested, I received two penalty notices in the post totalling $300. The first for 'passenger take animal on bus without permission' (um, they even published I had obtained permission), $100, and 'passenger not leave vehicle when directed.' $200. That's right, this girl had a ticket to ride, let's call that a CONTRACT, and I was holding them to their contract. Place your bet: Will the CCTV have been working in this new bus when I was arrested? Vote Yes. Vote No.

Silly! That's all I can say; what a silly waste of time and resources from so many people. There was no problem, no noise, no violence, no disruption to any travellers until the transit police emptied the bus and (the Burwood police came and removed that passenger who had the contract to travel). Click on the photo above to read State Transit's report on making transport accessible to the majority of the community - that's the 40% "majority" who don't have pets, I presume. They even refer to the State Plan on their home page, like we do in our draft policy; we have common ground!

I'm going on a bit about this because it's been over two weeks and my wrist is still sore and strapped up from big boy police officers who interpreted my reaching over to unhook dog lead from bus and collect by bags as 'resisting arrest', and who felt the need to hang on and pull handcuffs that were so gently (ha) applied. Also, members are STILL being hassled by bus operators, although finally today the reports from members travelling has been positive. One even got a free ride, but we won't tell anyone about that.

We're moving ahead with our call to the Federal Government to announce a national transport strategy for pets on public transport. The policy is a copy of the current policy in London - why can they do it, and why haven't we? Please write your support for this policy to your local Federal Member and to the Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese.

Click to Make our Community Pet-Friendly

I hope you have all received our email from our new database; it's an expensive email database system so I hope it provides a worthwhile service to members. PLEASE do click the links and send a letter to the members of parliament we are lobbying. Just like your membership, each letter counts for 100 votes. This email system allows us to view the click-throughs so we can have an idea of how much mail our politicians are receiving from Barking Mad members and supporters. I hope at least 50% will spend the few minutes to send an email so we can make more pet-friendly communities - faster!

Your action is needed now to:

• support more off-lead dog parks in Sydney


• to create a national public transport policy for us and our pets


• bring common sense to Local Government dog laws
  
• help make Barking Mad financial - donate (small amounts help too) or find us a sponsor
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Apathetic or Anarchistic?

APATHY: If you are apathetic, Barking Mad may look anarchistic to you!
We had a very successful day at the Leichhardt event on Sunday and this ‘apathy’ BLOG entry comes from an exerience at this event. Two people visited our stand with their beautiful muzzled greyhounds by their side. If you didn’t know, there is a law in NSW requiring ALL greyhounds, regardless of their temperament, to be muzzled.
I have personally been intrigued by this law as I can’t understand why greyhounds in NSW are different than those in other states where they don’t have to be muzzled. One of the perople asked ‘when will the greyhound muzzling law be changed?’ To which I basically responded something like you have muzzled your greyhounds, so you are stating your acceptance of the law. The response, as expected, was that they didn’t want to get a fine. WELL! If you’re not willing to stand up for what you believe in, then aren’t you part of the problem since you won’t be part of the solution?
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Write a letter for election 07

ELECTION O7 web page added to Barking Mad. Go there and PLEASE write your letters! We are getting a good response to the silly 'one dog per family' law in Queensland. We are calling on Malcolm Turnbull to get rid of the stupid dog line in Bronte (his electorate) and hold accountable those responsible for such madness, and the stress it has caused to many people, particularily the elderly.Your one letter could make a world of difference.Please - if you write just ONE LETTER this election, let this one be it:Email Kevin Rudd -
click here
sample letter: Does the Labor/Liberal Party support the discrimination of 40% of the population? Does the Labor/Liberal Party support policies that deny responsible pet owners access to housing, parks, public transport and taxies? Would the indirect discrimination faced daily by thousands of pet owners who rent be sanctioned by Labor (continued to be sanctioned by the Liberal Party?

• Do your environmental policies of require the 65% of the population who own pets to drive a private vehicle because even taxis won’t allow them to travel with their pet?
• Does the Labor/Liberal Party support a one dog per family law in Queensland?
• Will your party step in and bring and end to draconian dog laws that cause division in our communities and dress up revenue raising as animal welfare?
• Will the Labor/Liberal Party step in and change the focus to the proven benefits of pet ownership, dispel the ‘health risk myth’ and promote the many utilitarian roles for dogs such as in search and rescue, quarantine, policing, aged care and mental health?
  

We look forward to a positive response from you; one we can promote to our members.

Events this Sunday

So much for peaceful jacaranda viewing or planning our conference which is on in 10 days time. We have TWO events on Sunday and what a contrast. We have excellent communication with Waverley Council about the 'dog line' and we have Warringah council basically telling us we are not welcome at their PUBLIC dog event. Wow. Do keep watch at EVENTS as it's updated constantly.

We've given Warringah until 3pm to rethink their decision. Write letters of support for responsible dog owners who will make responsible decisions about taking their dog into public spaces to council@warringah.nsw.gov.au and ingrids@waverley.nsw.gov.au

Please consider making a donation to support these campaigns: Barking Mad Bendigo Bank BSB: 633 000, Acct: 1289 10064. Thank you!