A members journey...on public transport with Mojo

For a multitude of mishaps and reasons member M.B. had to travel from Sydney to Newcastle by train instead of driving on a weekend. Here is her story: All was well with my killer miniature poodle until guard 4904 walked through the train approaching Newcastle. It was obvious 4904 was having a VERY bad day. His conversation with me was extremely heated and volatile and he threatened to throw myself and killer Mojo off the train, (which did send me into a panic as I didn't have the resources for a cab AND I had a considerable amount of luggage).

His attitude was sufficiently hostile and loud that on his departure other passengers came to offer support. He paid me a further visit to reinforce the ruling (and further distress everyone in carriage) and at Fassifern he approached the carriage with the Station person in tow. The train was held for almost 10 minutes for my dog who had slept on my lap or on the floor for almost the entire journey. With a 'suitable' amount of huff and bluster 4904 finally announced that I would be permitted to continue to Broadmeadow but that the police would be waiting for me.

(Must admit to a certain amount of glee when passengers behind me laughed out loud at that stage). Got to Broadmeadow and was so thankful that the police had decided they had better things to do with their day and failed to turn up for our 'scheduled' rendezvous! Although I must admit I was keen to see Mojo's 'mug' shot! One of the passengers, who had been particularly supportive, was rather delighted to see the look on the guards face when we walked off the platform as free as birds! Hope none of you have had a day like mine. Regards Member M. G.

Clontarf dog swimming

This tidal area has been an 'informal' dog swimming area for the past 50 years. Manly Council want to make it 'legal'. Although we doubt their jurisdiction to do so (and are in court over such at a matter a present), it is a recommendation we support. A designated off-lead dog area lets the public know that dogs have priority and makes sure adequate rubbish bins are provided.

HOWEVER - no one likes change, and even this positive action has raised the hackles of a few residents who have lived with status-quo for years and never before had a problem - until now.

We're working with the local dog owner's group and will be campaigning at 'Sandy Bay' this Saturday between 10am and 2pm for sure with a possible assembly the following weekend. Join this campaign. Watch video - go to Telegraph TV and scroll to dog-of-war.

Random notes on tactics....

“As with other social justice movements, activists are seeking to push the existing boundaries and achieve law reform through a range of strategies, including lobbying for legislative change; utilising targeted and test-case litigation; undertaking community and professional education campaigns; and harnessing the power of consumers in the marketplace." Australian Law Reform Commission 3-March 08

"Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it." Henry David Thoreau

Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves. Henry David Thoreau

Click here for my personal note on tactics

"I became convinced that noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. No other person has been more eloquent and passionate in getting this idea across than Henry David Thoreau. As a result of his writings and personal witness, we are the heirs of a legacy of creative protest. Martin Luther King

While Walden can be applied to almost anyone's life, "Civil Disobedience" is like a venerated architectural landmark: it is preserved and admired, and sometimes visited, but for most of us there are not many occasions when it can actually be used. Still, although seldom mentioned without references to Gandhi and King, "Civil Disobedience" has more history than many suspect. In the 1940's it was read by the Danish resistance, in the 1950's it was cherished by people who opposed McCarthyism, in the 1960's it was influential in the struggle against South African apartheid, and in the 1970's it was discovered by a new generation of anti-war activists. The lesson learned from all this experience is that Thoreau's ideas really do work, just as he imagined they would.

Dogs Guide

The joke is on Barking Mad. Pema and I rock up at a specialist clinic today to deal with my injuries sustained when being wrongfully arrested for travelling legally on the bus last month. Pema is sniffing a lot more than is acceptable before we enter the surgery, and I'm wondering why; thinking perhaps it's because we haven't been out in public much lately except at our glorious dog beach. Someone inside opens the door for us and I'm asked to move ahead into the waiting room where I promptly put Pema 'in her house' under the chair.

Whew, I'm thinking, so far so good. No idiots assuming to know the law needing to tell me only seeing-eye dogs allowed ("yeah? my dog can see you don't know what you are talking about"), or dogs are not allowed because they are a health risk ("she's a bitch and I'm feeling about the same right now, so please leave us alone") and while these thoughts are going around in my head a GIANT GOLDEN LAB COMES BOUNDING DOWN THE HALL is full flight from the front of the building and heading to see the OTHER golden lab at the back of the building.

Sniffers as they are, GIANT GOLDEN LAB (GGL), pulls up sharply, claws in the carpet and decides that Pema, the new bitch, is a LOT MORE INTERESTING than her relative in the back and does a sharp left where the appropriate nose to butt dance takes place and hierarchy is sorted for all time. Aha, I laugh, at long last after a very traumatic month. Is that why my G.P. sent me to this specialist? Did she know all along? I look around and animal cartoon books compliment the 1994 National Geographic. We know which one I picked.

We've been topped and I love it. When medical doctors have the dogs as 'an integral part of the practice', and it wasn't because of the hard work of Barking Mad, we know we have finally met common scents. Anyone with a visiting dog in aged or hospital care knows the benefits of dogs well, as do the medical professionals regardless of their personal view. I meet GGL again as I leave the surgery and she is exiting the other room with her doctor/mistress and most recent patient. HREOC discussion on assistance animals and the Disability Discrimination Act.

GOOD DOGS HELP PEOPLE GET AND STAY WELL.

When Justice & Law part company

Not Just Yet. May I recommend to you the 2008 Manning Clark lecture by vocal human rights campaigner Julian Burnside QC, available on ABC Big Ideas.

One could easily spend a day reading Mr. Burnside's numerous publications and in my view, be a better person for it. A Google search will provide you with plenty to think about as to Australia's rule of law or rule of man.

This most recent lecture is not about dogs, or pets, or ageing, health or other Barking Mad campaigns, but it highlights some atrocities of our legislative system. A memorable quote is "when justice is placed beyond reach (in a democracy), we are betrayed". Or, more ironically: justice is open to all, just like the Ritz Hotel. How does this relate to Barking Mad?

I have helped numerous members successfully challenge 'silly dog fines', where a dog owner was acting responsibly, but allegedly illegally. An example would be where a $330 fine was received in the mail weeks after your beautiful morning walk on an empty beach, after a ranger 'just scans your dog' when they meet you in the car park and sends you away with 'have a nice day'.

Not one member was prepared for the extensive time required to make a case for common sense and all felt staggered by the legal resources (MONEY) put into stalling the process, denying information, hiring lawyers, writing letters, etc. Those who have been through it know, now, what I'm talking about. A case in point in having two Warringah Council rangers and a lawyer in court FOR A FULL DAY in February 2008 in a challenge against Barking Mad having one dog on an empty beach in an area in which they have stated they have no authority back in MAY 2007! (Members login required, this case continues in May 2008).

• What is the cost to the community of a picnic with four people and one dog on a blanket on a secluded, walk-in only beach?
• What is the cost to the community of two rangers and a lawyer in court for more than a day?
  

Mr. Burnside talks about how a State government (with deep pockets and a deep resentment for those who choose to legally challenge them) spent $4 million so that they would not have to compensate a member of the stolen generation.

For Sale: Buy or Bye?

Joyfully, Barking Mad has achieved much in a short time; started with a heart-felt passion based in common sense (scents), with no web experience or funding, the organisation serves the majority of Australians who care for pets. We have created links with important agencies who know the value pets provide financially and emotionally in community welfare, ageing, rehabilitation, mental health, mobility and especially to the disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our society. Health professionals and our new Labor government admit the benefits of pets far outweigh the negatives. We've got common sense on our side and our compassion for pets provides us with compassion for people who can't quite get that special link you can establish and maintain with a non-human animal.

Sadly, I must admit that my health is failing. The trauma of being arrested and locked up twice in 24 hours (both times acting legally), charged 4 times in a month and then being targeted (along with other members) for living a 'normal' life with our extremely well trained dogs has taken its toll. On medical advise, my work capacity is limited. After the brutal arrest that resulted in the NSW Transport Minister admitting Barking Mad was in the right, my wrists still hurt from being dragged and handcuffed. X-ray results are pending.

While good for the dog who can get walks based on 'rehabilitation' it's no way to run a business - even a not-for-profit one! I literally grew up in customer service in a family retail business and I am fully committed to serving my members who have trusted me with their financial contributions. As proprietor of Barking Mad I am facing difficult decisions in what would normally be such an exciting time in business with our recent successes with pubic transport.

1. Sell the business - including trademark, goodwill, membership etc.
2. Obtain sponsorship for a minimum of one year and $200,000.
3. Bring in volunteers or partners willing to work for the cause and forego immediate payment. Accommodation on offer in exchange for income.
4. Your idea?

Please contact me if you have a proposal or solution. If you have a suggestion, please contact me only if you can carry out the suggestion. Thank you all.

The Opera House Cross

Even VIP guests can get stopped by uneducated thugs in uniforms - dog forbid if we were non-english speaking or non-anglo! (and no, we don't 'blame' the thugs - it's a bigger issue of acceptance and understanding).

What do you get when you cross the national broadcaster (a rooster), Opera Australia (a poodle) and security men who are sure they know the Opera House By-Laws (because they have a uniform and fewer brains than a cocker spaniel) so well as to tell you that Federal Discrimination Law doesn't apply on 'their turf'? You get Cockerpoodle doo!

Or - You get two apologetic agencies, and probably a promotion from security guard to police for a few staff of the cocker spaniel analogy above. Or - you get two reputable agencies and one Trust willing to walk their talk, educate their staff and promote access to arts such as the outdoor Opera was meant to do.

Cryptic Crossword? Not really. Just another example of three agencies with only two knowing the laws and the third pulling rank to the benefit of No One. Very similar to bus driver letting dog on bus, transit police not knowing the rules so calling the NSW Police to violently toss off a passive passenger and her placid dog. This time, it was the Opera House Trust uniformed men who rustled both male and female VIP guests of the ABC off the site with their (invited) assistance dogs. Miscommunication or ignorance? I think you know where Barking Mad stands on that question. We hope this unfortunate incident will lead to more education (Barking Mad has qualified workplace trainers), an apology and please - an opera we get to watch, not act in.

Reserve the Axe for the Opera

Opera is a fantastic medium in which steal another person's property, take their partner and murder all the people who try to interfere before causing damage to yourself or the community around you. It's also a great forum to 'fall in love' but usually someone will die in the process, which is acceptable - in Opera. It's a place to take out aggression on someone you just don't like or discriminate because of their work or class. Barking Mad members and their assistance dogs are thrilled to be the guests of ABC Opera on the Big Screen in Sydney this Wednesday to enjoy the classic opera Carmen. It's another opportunity to demonstrate the benefit that 1 million 'assistance dogs' provide to a wide variety of people across Australia - and also how well trained (read quiet) these dogs are.

This BLOG is NOT an opera. Yes, Barking Mad has our share of drama, more in the form of discrimination or ignorance of the laws, than all the 'bad' things that dogs are blamed for. HOWEVER, Barking Mad is not an Opera. We want to hear to your opposition as well as glow in your support. Anonymous and personal attacks are not useful. Barking Mad is about community, not pets. Lots of things annoy us and we can tolerate them. Children can be SO difficult - but how can you help but love them? Some dogs are natural people pleasers, some require strong training, some are mistreated.


Is it not the same for people? We all go through phases. I'm still new to the blog thing but I'm quickly noticing that the few (and I mean few) people who strongly oppose our work refuse to identify themselves. I don't think this is the go. We as members show up with our pets, or look after our elderly parent with their pets. I want that transparency for all of us. I am looking to change the comment section so that you will need to be a registered user before posting. In doing so, I hope the debate continues, focusing on issues, not people. Remember, the majority of people have pets, public transport is for all, and pets are a known value to health and ageing. Facts - like it or not.

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.

Not a good look from RailCorp

We are seeking a national transport policy, guideline, direction or whatever that will provide national CONSISTENCY across the public transport services in regards to the responsible carriage of pets.

Here is one reason we want a national policy. In the last few months, we have written correspondence from three different departments of RailCorp (and countless different stories from employees at stations) as to the carriage of dogs and/or pets.

There may also be a constitutional issue here; if dogs are 'chattel', well, can't we move them freely between states? Sure, it's a stretch, but it points out the need for common sense (scents).

The majority of Australians have pets. The majority of Australians with pets will, most probably, be occasional or infrequent users of pubic transport. We want our RIGHT to public transport. If we're on holiday and left without our vehicle due to breakdown or other incident and need to travel home with pet - we need to be able to do this! If we are attending a big public event where public transport is recommended, such as DOGGYWOOD for Sydney Mardi Gras, we need access to public transport. Fair go. Pickup and pickup a bus ticket too.

Better for the environment to streak than use public transport?

Personally, I find this photo upsetting. Streaking is a relatively accepted and often funny way to make a point, but why get knocked down in the process? Some sports I will never understand, but the point of this entry today is that it is better (by law) to behave like this naked man (and after the Mardi Gras parade we would have hoped to see a better physique), than to take your pet on public transport.

You see, our streaker payed a $1,500 fine for his publicity and had NO CONVICTION recorded. That means, he is not a 'criminal'. Me, as Barking Mad's proprietor, risk having a conviction recorded for travelling legally on a bus, and therefore being a 'criminal' forever in the public eye.

I started Barking Mad after being defrauded in a business (in which I won in a protracted court case) and having my superannuation being taken by a bank agent passing off as a 'trustee' when he wasn't, (legal action still ongoing). I decided a dog was my best companion option after all this! But the criminal fraud charges have stalled against my perpetrator and I am now at risk of being a criminal for choosing to use public transport with pooch.

Let's make clear that's my 'public-access tested', 'approved to work with children' pooch. In other words - you can step on her, pull her tail, poke your fingers in her eyes, and she will choose to move away rather than retaliate for someones really silly action. She will also never trick you into signing over a mortgage or your super to her - yet we're criminals in waiting.

State Transit say 'SORRY' (really?)

Fact or Fiction? Today the NSW State Transit, after finally admitting in Daily Telegraph that Barking Mad knew the law better than their bus drivers AND transit officers did; finally confirmed our legal right to travel on PUBLIC (note public) transport with our pets (providing we are responsible, of course) offered an apology to all Barking Mad members who have suffered abuse, inconvenience and public humiliation during the last year while Barking Mad has educated our members and encouraged State Politicians to proclaim a right that exists, but has been hidden. We regret that our elected officials have neglected to admit the current law and that it took a violent arrest on the 21st of February and inconvenience of many travellers for them to state the fact. (And Barking Mad thanks all our early members who have trusted us to point out their legal rights - yes, we have been justified.)

State Transit have offered free transport for all regular travellers with pets, with a special 'honorary' pass given to senior citizens from now until the end of 2009.

In regards to the arrest of me, the proprietor of Barking Mad, after being allowed onto the L20 bus on Victoria Road towards the city only to be subsequently harassed by transit officers for travelling with my cute, quiet, public-loving, pooch sitting inconspicuously under my seat, then violently arrested by the infamous Burwood police, State Transit have agreed to hire Barking Mad (a qualified workplace training organisation) to educate their drivers on the State Transit laws as well as the Disability Discrimination Act and 'assistance dogs'.

Fact or Fiction? Fiction. Although State Transit have admitted we were in the right, members are still being harassed even after the generous publicity in the Daily Telegraph and the public admission from the NSW Transport Minster, John Watkins. I am sorry it has come to this. We have known our rights for over a year and all our correspondence to the politicians has not helped. A female in a skirt, heals and a singlet (with dog, big handbag and legal briefcase) needed to get rolled off the bus and on to Victoria road to have her feet kicked out so she landed on the pavement to get handcuffed - separated from her dog, to have our civil right to travel on public transport acknowledged. It's really sad isn't it? What happened to man's best friend?

Man, Dog & Angry Bus Driver

Watch & Listen: that little dog is an assistance animal.

Saddened, but not surprised. Another "customer service" public transport staff deciding that they know more about dogs than the dogs' guardian. Read this story from the Adelaide Advertiser.

Vladimir (in photo) with his dog Roxy may well want to know about Pet First Aid for Cats & Dogs run by the Seattle Red Cross - but hurry, the first class is sold-out!

Even after NSW State Transit admitted Barking Mad was right - members have been hassled, and fines issued - after permission to board the bus was given!

No Animals at the Mardi Gras Parade

L-R: Pema (in pram), Kane (with boots), Eedra & Clover Moore MP before the parade.

Well, we did it; two Barking Mad members & dogs walked in support of Clover More, along with 100,000 others marching for various rights for a vibrant and diverse community - and for FUN. Having only watched the parade once before, and not having been in a parade since I was twirling a baton and a silly wooden rifle with wearing cute white boots at age 8 surrounded by giggling girls - AND, not being a 'crowd' person - despite Pema the dog being one - IT WAS QUITE AN EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!

Would we do it again? While in the 'lock down' for three hours before the parade and after being HASSLED by another ignorant STA bus driver who hasn't been told of our right to travel with pets (and therefore upsetting passesengers), the operator refused to drive on and I could see this going crazy again. Eventually, she realised all was safe and well, but didn't miss an opportunity to be extremely rude when we got off the bus. SO tired of this... So would we do it again? NO WAY. That is until the parade actually started and the crowd went wild wanting to pet Kane and then thought Pema in the pram following was SO CUTE. The dogs were a big hit. We think they have fully passed their public access tests now - so please stop hassling us with well-behaved, highly-trained (and loved dogs).

A Barking Mad float next year? Volunteer here.

To the Feds we Go

Our NSW and Federal Transport Ministers and the NSW Police force at Marrickville.

Pema and I have finally made it home from Sydney to the Central Coast via public transport - the same way we got back into the city for a day of media interviews and filming after the Daily Telegraph article. We had to spend another unplanned night in the city because the transit police were waiting for us at Central Station. "We know who you are", they wrenched my phone out of my hand. I'd had enough, I could see they were not going to let me get on my train, so I was going to leave. Nope, they wouldn't let me leave, wouldn't let me get my train, they were just being obstructionists - and ruff. They asked if Pema was a registered assistance dog. All Barking Mad members know the answer to that one: 'yes, of course, and she has $10 million public liability insurance".

They demanded ID and didn't like it when I asked why if they knew who I was. I am also not obliged to give them ID unless they put me under arrest, but they didn't look happy when I quoted my rights. And these uniformed folks obviously didn't know the Disability Discrimination Act or the difference between a companion dog, an assistance animal and NSW RailCorp unique definition of a 'Therapy Dog'.

Still, winners are grinner's, and we finally got the State Transit to admit what we have known and acted on for nearly a year. We gave Minister Watkins many opportunities to help us end the harassment we were receiving from uninformed bus drivers and even bus Depot Managers. Why did I have to be rolled by the police, charged with resisting arrest (get the irony? That was the charge - so what charge was I resisting?) before he and State Transit admitted their own policy. I can happily say "I told you so" but that does not accomplish our objective. I have no need to stay in the past.

• We have the admission we wanted, Barking Mad and our faithful members have been vindicated.
• We have a strategy that is aligned with the NSW State Plan.
• We have some very pissed off members who are taking up the issue of the police treatment of me (that is not Barking Mad's issue).
• We have good federal and state (NSW & Queensland) support for many of our policies and we need to build on that.
• Barking Mad members will continue to use public transport when appropriate and respect those with opposing opinions or fear.
• But more than that, we will enjoy public transport more than anyone because we ALL experience conversation and people chatting to our dogs while we travel - and we love that sense of community!
  

What we ask now of Minister Watkins is to assist us in getting a national pets on public transport strategy. We ask him to work with his Federal counterpart (Minister Albanese in the top photo) for our draft policy which is based on the existing pets on public transport policy in London:

Animals

1. You can bring an assistance dog with you without charge. You can also take with you without charge any other dog or inoffensive animal, unless there is a good reason for us to refuse it (such as if the animal seems dangerous or is likely to upset other customers).
2. You must keep it under control on a lead or in a suitable container, and must not allow it on a seat. Staff are not allowed to take charge of any animal.
3. If you bring an animal with you, for safety reasons you must carry it on moving escalators or through automatic ticket gates. If you have an assistance dog, you must ask a member of staff to open the manual gate to allow you to enter or leave a station with automatic gates. If there is a moving escalator and no staircase or lift, a member of our staff will stop the escalator to allow your dog to travel on it when it is safe to do so (generally outside the rush hours and when the station is not busy).

In practice, this proposed change comes down to "behave and be responsible”. Both Ministers Watkins and Albanese have excellent reputations for being honest 'nice' guys. Let's hope we can work together with them and the relevant environment, health (ageing) and community ministers to bring more common sense (scents?) to the important public amenity that is transport.

No Sh!t - and no agreement

Barking Mad is a relatively new lobby group. We have no need to 'trash' any side of the political debate. We have 30 years of experience in lobbying, and as a lobbyist, that means we lobby for controversial issues. History is clear in showing us that many of these 'controversial' issues become commonplace - it's the lobbyists that are the leaders to get the public perception into the political arena. And yes, sometimes we suffer personally for it, and historically, many 'lobbyists' become 'heroes' only after death.

Minister Watkins didn't agree to anything as this article in the Telgraph implies. He is just confirming what we have asked to be publicised for nearly a year. Barking Mad located our statutory right when many other groups did not. Thank you to our members who supported us in this early vision and subsequent victory. Why did it take a violent arrest for our right to travel on PUBLIC transport to be acknowledged? Barking Mad works for responsible pet owners - the majority.

Pema Leads...Daily Telegraph

Welcome (again, with gratitude) to our members and a special welcome to new readers who have arrived here because of the Daily Telegraph article. If you are, were or want to be a pet owner, and support what we do (even if not HOW we do it), I ask you to JOIN. By joining (for less than a bag of premium pet chow), you make your vote count.

If you think pets are dirty, not-welcome in cities, or that they are all owned by irresponsible people, I offer you the following to consider:

Independent research (facts) show that the vast majority of pet owners are 'responsible' and aware of their obligation to share our community resources.

1. Pet owners make a significant contribution to our national economy.
   
   
2. Overwhelming evidence exists of the utilitarian value of pets (mostly dogs) to the aged, infirmed, disabled and to building community.
   
   
3. Yep, there are 'idiot' owners just like there are parents who let their kids act illegally, men who feel a need to urinate in public stairwells, and people who chose to be violent towards another person or to break into their personal space.
   
   
4. There are also 1 out of 5 Australians who suffer from a disability and effects of certain disabilities can be commonly misunderstood. (Bi-polar folks are amongst many of our top achievers).
   
   
5. Lastly, a fact that few want to accept because 'blame the dog' is so much easier, is that a child is at least ten times more likely to be injured at the hand of their parent or guardian than a dog.
   
   
6. Lastly, another fact that is unwelcome in the media, is that the largest category of dog owner is a family with children.

Barking Mad accepts your view of pets and asks you to respect ours. If you support our work, please make a donation. Even a charity can't work without $. Each week I hear the stories of support that pets have provided in difficult times. Would people be left alone to die in a unit if they had a pet? My bet is that the pet would raise the alarm.

Bus Arrest

I was travelling by bus from Ryde to Sydney (CBD) at about 5pm on the 21st of February. After being in court the day before (with three members all with dogs) then being arrested after spending a lovely 5 hours socialising at an outdoor pub, I boarded the bus without drama looking forward to a quiet meal in the city before travelling back up the coast by train.

• We have official correspondence on STA letterhead advising our right to travel on Sydney and Newcastle buses and ferries with our pets, as long as they are clean and well behaved - no special ID required!

It was a nice new bus with fold up seats to make space for wheelchairs. Pema was happily sitting on the floor in this space when the Transit Police boarded for a ticket check. They told me to leave because of dog. I told them to call the depot and quoted the STA instructions to bus operators that allowed me to travel on this bus. The driver confirmed he allowed me on the bus.

The transit police we not happy. They shut down the bus, got everyone off (several folks said good luck), and got the big guns in - three NSW Police. What happened next is the stuff of horror and confirms what we hear about police treatment of youths, Aboriginals and 'people of Middle Eastern appearance' and Ms. McDonald, the 62 year old (Asian) grandmother they searched and hurt while she was waiting for a bus. They grabbed me to get me off the bus so I went to get Pema. My effort to collect my dog now made me 'resisting arrest'. Why would I resist arrest? An arrest can often result in a faster policy change than other means. Dragged, feet kicked out from under me, handcuffed, separated from my dog, etc. I am injured and under medical care. The rest of the story will be in the members area. This is a sad and senseless situation. Please read about Rosa Parks - arrested in 1955 and deemed a criminal only to be later credited by the US Congress as the mother of the modern-day Civil Rights Movement. Please consider making a donation to help fight this insanity. We also need help in the office for the next week while my injuries heal, email if you can help.

Warringah Council rangers were not told...

Photo: Our party after court; two of these three dogs are Assistance Animals by law.

For one year, we have assisted members challenge many 'stupid' dog fines in court. We have won each and every one. We've been looking forward to this legal challenge issued by Warringah Council against Barking Mad's proprietor Eedra Zey because it contains several important issues of law. Please recall that this 'penalty infringement notice (PIN)' was issued during a legal assembly back in May 07 - Salty Dogs Day Out #2. Case law strongly supports the right of people to 'protest' peacefully, yet Warringah appear to think they act above court decisions. We wonder if that is why the Council was SACKED by the NSW government and remains in control of an 'administrator' unlike other councils that have elected members.

Our court appearance, attended by several Barking Mad members and their dogs took the entire day. We've got to hand it to the two rangers who were witnesses. They are SO caught in the middle, and both who testified showed common sense well beyond the Warringah Council administrator who so ignorantly proclaims (with tax payers money) that 'dogs and beaches don't mix'. Unfortunately, the rangers were not aware of the Plan of Management for the beach in question - oops. Log into the members area for more details.

Our case continues in May. Council chose not to accept that the dog was a Disability Assistance Dog which would have concluded the case. We don't mind, as we would much prefer to argue jurisdiction, which is often difficult to do in the lower courts but we are managing thanks to Warringah Council's obstinacy.

Our celebration party ended unceremoniously when a couple of young, bored police officers showed up and said the publican of Paddy Maguire's wanted me to leave because my dog was inside. She was outside with all the other dogs, and we were still being served drinks... They said I would be fined $550 if I didn't leave and I said 'yes please'. An hour passed until a (not bored) aggressive Sergeant showed up and arrested me. He was in no mood to know, understand, or even listen to any of the laws that make it illegal for a business to deny access to a person with an assistance animal. So, I was carted off to the police station where I finally got out 2 hours later having missed the last train home. Little did I know I was to be arrested again later in the day, in horrific, brutal and demeaning circumstances. And on that note, I must thank the city police for their humanity in keeping me with my dog, transporting me in a vehicle and otherwise respecting my health and welfare. OF COURSE, Pema won over the custody manager and ended up behind the police desk on the command chair and was given the rank of Sergeant.

• TRAIN: Remember that RailCorp allows you to travel with your dog "if it provides a therapeutic benefit to you or someone other than yourself." More on members area of the web, as to will be our campaigns that stem from these two arrests. None of these laws will stop you from being hassled until a big education campaign is put in place!

Movie Day with the Dogs

Since the beginning of January the notice "no dogs allowed" is removed from the Admiral cinema. Every Thursday, film goers can take their dogs with them into the cinema. For those who would like to sample the quality of the canine cinema for themselves, visit this Vienna theatre - remember you can take pooch on the plane or train or bus to get there, and when you arrive, a petting corner, popcorn for dogs and fresh water are provided.

I certainly recall a meeting with a State MP lately who said to me 'you wouldn't take your dog to the movies with you, surely?'. Whoof!

The Admiral cinema in Vienna's 7th district, one of the oldest in the city, has been under new management since December 2007. They have opened the doors of the picture house to man's best friend.

Sorry

I am sorry. I am sorry for the hurt and lack of humanity so many of our government policies cause. The short-term political arena is a difficult space for visionaries and deep-thinkers. So often, good intent turns into bad legislation. This thread could easily lead to a criticism of companion animal regulations and our previous Prime Minister, but I do not want to detract from the significance of the simple and meaningful act of humanity that started our 42nd Federal Parliament today. As an act of respect, I have linked the Reconciliation Speech onto the Federal Campaign page of Barking Mad - Equity for Pet Owners. As food for thought - dogs were companions to and provided assistance for our original Australians.

Wet Dog

Only a wet dog photo would be appropriate in the deluge coastal NSW has been experiencing for most of February and a lot of January (send in your wet-dog photos!). We have a tin roof, which makes phone conversations near impossible in this weather. It's difficult to think of all the other things we have happening in this NOISE, but I'll try.

• NSW - We are meeting with lots of State members to advance our draft amendment to the Companion Animals Act, get pets on public transport as is supported by the State Plan and raise issues of discrimination of renters, unit dwellers, the aged and those with a disability.
  
• Syndey -This is important for all of us nationally. We put in a 26 page submission to the City and wrote letters representing members' views. Read letters here (members sign-in required).
• TRANSPORT PASSES - not needed to travel on Sydney buses, but helpful. I am doing a bulk order for members in hope that they will take less than the three months it took to get mine. Members, to get a STA bus pass email me.
  
• Queensland - What a bland response we are receiving in regards to the 'one dog per family' policy. Many members have commented on the lack of humanity, responsibility or even care in the response from member Warren Pitt. We will change strategies, stay tuned.
  
• Federal - We are meeting with Federal Members to raise the profile of dogs (and pets) to health, aged care and independence, public-safety and also for national transport guidelines for pets on public transport. I've heard more than one story of holiday-makers who needed to get home after a vehicle break-down and found themselves stuck because of their canine companions.

Argo, a common scents dog meets the Transit Police

We love these stories from members about how they were ultra-responsible for their dog only to get 'done' by someone (often being in a uniform). When we STOP hearing these stories, we will have achieved a safe and pet-friendly society. So, onto the story....Argo travelled to Sydney with Mum to pick up a young relative from Central Station. Mum checked with Central Station that this would be OK and was told it would be. Mum and Argo moved through the turnstile past two lots of Transit Police all ok to meet the arriving country train on a Sunday at 7.30pm.

Relative arrives, everyone leaves the platform and moves to the main station by the newsagent where numerous people are smoking. Soon Argo is greeted by two security guards who said no dogs were allowed on railway property for fear of railways being sued if Argo bit (or barked at) someone. They said it was a $400 fine, so our member left. Next time, no doubt, she'll take the fine and challenge it. She also felt harassed by the security guys who turned a blind eye to all the smokers who just happened to levitate out of the area while this conversation about little Argo was taking place.

Argo (being a senior) is now more convinced than ever that he does not want to be reborn as a human.

A Fine Dog Ticket

Some time not too long ago in our Australian history, a dog ticket was a ½ price fare for your dog. Also in those times, many dogs were not vaccinated or de-sexed and most had fleas in the warmer weather.

Yet now, a dog ticket is what the uniformed men in grey with boots and mace give you when pooch is resting on the floor under your feet – taking up no extra space, and it’s $100.

These transit police were the nicest uniformed men I’ve met in a long time. They didn’t want to give me ticket; they wanted to give me warning. I received the ticket joyfully and was just about to tell them about Barking Mad but their station had arrived and they had to leave. 'Don’t go', I said, after they had both declared themselves dog lovers. 'But we have too, sorry'. They took the Barking Mad card with them and thanked me.

I received a ticket for doing what every Australian should be able to do –travel in an environmentally friendly way using PUBLIC transport, with their quiet, clean and well-behaved pet. Off to court we go. Read about our pets on public transport policy and lobbying here.

I take it for granted

I must, because the people I know in Sydney with dogs just don't experience the joy and delight their dog provides like I do. In no way am I saying my joy as a dog-guardian is any less than anoyone elses, it's just that everyday I walk on the ocean beach with dog, and most Sydney beach-side dwellers don't get to do that 'legally'.

Today the waves were big, the tide high, the clouds low and the lagoon was opened by the sea. People watched in awe as pressure waves rolled into the lake. And then their was William and Indy; a guy and his Australian Koolie. So simple, just sitting on the beach watching the waves roll in with endless talk about dogs and the surrounding beauty.

Observation of these last six months on the beach shows me that most of the people chatting are doing so with dogs. People without dogs cross each other on their walk and keep going. If the 300 people who die alone in NSW each year had dogs, would these people have died unnoticed and left to rot with neighbours just next door? My bet is that a dog would have put up a heck of ruckus if its owner stopped moving!

Dear Abby

We are Barking Mad. We wrote to Abby Rudd - yes, the DOG - at the Lodge. Read our letter here, it's been smell-checked by Pema before we sent it. We figure she is top dog now, and a non-labor voter in the post-office today told me Keven Rudd went up in her opinion after she saw the photo of him with Abby! It's all political - dogs here, no dogs there - is there any common sense?

We urged Abby to get her pack leaders to pay attention to the big (meaning federal) issue that is PETS. Why? Because companion, assistance and working dogs are a positive contribution to health, ageing, public safety, our heritage and more.

We anxiously wait our reply with paws crossed. Are you tired of seeing no-dogs allowed signs? Sign up to our letter writing team. (We usually write people, not dogs in case you are concerned about our sanity). Each letter can count for the view of 100 voters and that's good for dogs.

Fail to prevent cruelty

Recently, a NSW man was convicted of "FAILING to PREVENT an offence under the Cruelty to Animals Act". (Cockfighting case, 15 Jan). This opens up a range of options to deal with people who knowingly allow cruelty to occur. Funny how chickens are exempt from this law.

Councils with draconian restrictions on where owners can take their canine best friend also lead to cruelty as dogs are left alone more and more (with smaller homes in physical size and number of people).

They then can bark and end up being less-socialised then their European counterparts who can enjoy parks, transport and pubs with their owners. In other words, by restricting dogs from so many public places we are isolating them and creating problems for residents and dogs.

The dangerous dog act goes so far as to declare an owner guilty under proven otherwise. An untrained council officer can declare a dog dangerous and have it penned up in a concrete flooded enclosure not to be let out. They can do this without any animal experts involved and by believing hearsay stories. Sounds like Guantanamo and that does not have a reputation of making better humans! Research shows a strong correlation between how humans treat pets and animals in general, which negative behaviour towards animals also targeting the human animal.

It is legal to keep cats and dogs as pets and Barking Mad will work with as much vigour as those willing to confront whaling in our territory. The issue is the same, the moral debate on keeping pet or killing whales is a separate issue.

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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Dogs are a Federal Issue

The Labor government has identified companion, assistance and working dogs as a positive contribution to:

• physical health (walking)
• mental health (socialisation and caring)
• ageing (safety and socialisation)
• safety in the home (an early warning system to intruders)
• public safety (police statistics show people out walking reduces incidents of street crime and those with dogs are less likely to be the victim of an assault)
• boosting the immune system of children age 2 and under when exposed to animals
• our heritage (the dog was an essential companion and worker to the Aboriginals and the European pastoralists).

The next three to six months are very important for our work and for our vision of a safe and pet-friendly society. Kevin Rudd's team is back from the holiday they didn't really have and Barking Mad is back from a lucky holiday we did have. Each bullet point provides the new federal government with an easy win; it's not rocket science. Dogs (and pets) are important to our heath, our ageing community, public safety etc.

Sure, the media can sensationalize the incidents of aggressive dogs, but it pales when compared to the violence of human to human, and sadly by comparison, parent to child. These are politically unfriendly facts.

Members – we will be contacting you. If you have offered your assistance in any way, please expect a phone call from us. Every member who wants to be involved needs to meet with their state and federal representatives by the end of March. Every member who is able to contribute the time we need behind the scene to guarantee change will sign-up to the letter writing team.

If you are member who likes more direct action, please help us organize our next public rally (Sydney) on the 31st of March.There is MUCH to be done. Get involved if you can and if not, please stay informed and help build our membership base.

Barking Mad is off to court on the 15th of January to challenge Warringah council doggie fine in an area in which they have no jurisdiction. We're travelling by train (yes, of course, with dog), so it should be a great day.

Dog Fines are not Fine

Barking Mad has been assisting members challenging dog fines. We do this when we view the fine as ‘stupid’ because these people are acting responsibly with their pet, but not strictly following what their local council would like them to. We keep winning – and that is actually a problem. We need to lose so we can get these matters to higher courts where precedents are set. If you’re one of the people who has gone through the process of challenging a stupid dog fine, you know how emotionally, financially and time draining it is. It isn’t easy – but is that a reason to be apathetic?

Each time we as dog owners accept something we feel is wrong – be it a fine for dog off lead BUT under effective control (often evidenced by the ability to walk a well-trained dog near a busy road and trust that it won’t bolt into the traffic), or dog in prohibited place because you’ve taken your toddler and your dog to the local playground, we support the dog laws as they stand today.

Many pet owners have no problem with the laws as they are. To them, being a member of Barking Mad has no value; we respect this. The changes Barking Mad proposes will not impact on their happiness. Barking Mad’s short term goal is to have 10,000 members (nationally) by the time the NSW Parliament sits in 2008. Critical mass – it’s a critical philosophy when applied. Legislation ALWAYS lags pubic opinion. That’s why dramatic actions are required at certain times. As a society, we want a human face behind changes in the laws – we don’t want facts and figures. Ask any lobbyist, they will confirm that this is the fact of our society.
If you want more access for you and your dog (or cat) – to housing, transport and public amenities, and you are not a member of Barking Mad, then don’t complain about the current situation.

No other organisation in Australia directly represents the rights of pet owners on a state and federal level. Your paid-up membership represents at least 100 votes – it’s a powerful lobbing tool. We have things happening on a federal level and on a state level in NSW and Queensland.


Do you really want a law that requires you to leave your well-trained dog at home when you go out on a summer’s night with your family for a meal? What about when your car breaks down and you can’t get a bus or taxi home because you have your dog with you?

Responsible owners will make responsible choices about where they want their dog to accompany them. A funny example was at the first Barking Mad conference on 700 acres of dog friendly space. Within 5 minutes we had banned dogs from our meeting and set them outside to play. This was an appropriate place for them to run free.

Sydney Morning Herald Today

Run around unleashed is a provocative headline that does not adequately describe a dogs behaviour in an off-lead area. I live on a dog beach and all summer it is crowded with holiday-makers, their children and their dogs. At any time of the day, dog will most likely be sitting next to the family while the child plays in the water.

Overly boisterous behaviour is directly related to how well-socialised the dog is. Restricting owners and their dogs from public places IS A PROBLEM IN ITS OWN MAKING. In other words, laws the prohibit our companion to BE OUR COMPANION cause problems such as over-excitement when (finally) let out for a romp, and barking when left behind.

Many types of dogs are a perfectly suitable pet for units with larger breads commonly being more docile then the white fluff’s. Dogs in high-density, cultured cities such as New York or most European capitals will know how to behave in public, because they are socialised.

A responsible parent will remove a tantruming child from a public restaurant so as not to be a nuisance. A responsible dog owner will choose where and when off-leash is appropriate. Although my dog is a well-trained assistance animal, I will not let her off the lead by a road, yet, we see many dogs walking quietly by their owners along busy roads.

Our own office of local government (NSW) states the majority of dog owners are responsible. Sure there are those who have a vastly different view of ‘responsible’ than you may have, but so too are there wild children, noisy neighbours, irresponsible drivers (and parkers). A vibrant society accepts frustrating annoyances, appreciating the diverse choices we have.

• Many more families have dogs than children.


• The City of Sydney proposal is talking about 14% of parks when 42% of homes have dogs (and 30% children).
  
  Most dogs have $10,000 liability insurance thanks to their home contents policy
  
• Laws are there to deal with the irresponsible owners.
  
• There is no such thing as the Youth Offenders Act for dogs. This law allows our juveniles to get away with all manner of crimes for dogs, but if a dog graffities your wall - it will be declared dangerous and locked up in a concrete pen for the rest of its life!

Stop maligning the domestic dog; our country would not be what it is today without the dog. Aboriginals kept them as pets and protection and Europeans used them to manage sheep and cattle. Good working dogs for yard and paddock work can sell for $20,000.

The Australian Medical Association attributes dogs to better health and the police credit dogs as protection for the elderly and those living alone or hearing impaired. Also, dog walking is shown to reduce incidents of street crime.
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Support proposed dog friendly parks

Support the City of Sydney and Clover Moore. Increasing off-leash spaces for dogs in the city parks. Click here for details and please make your comments by 1 February. This is our chance to have a louder voice then the anti-dog folks.

Our year, our companions & our family: maybe

Our year: our companions & our families. M A Y B E Are you reading this as a pet owner or pet-lover? Are you not yet a member of Barking Mad? If you want more access for you and your pets then join Barking Mad - it's not your small membership $ contribution that will make the changes, it is the fact that your membership counts for the views of 100 people. And that is how laws are changed. We have support in NSW Parliament and in the federal government - to raise the profile of the CONTRIBUTION pets make to our health and well-being. Do you want change? We can achieve it. We can differentiate ourselves as responsible pet owners - the laws are there to take care of those who are not responsible.

We don't ban everyone from driving because 1500 people are killed each year. The NSW office of Local Government credits 99% of dog owners as responsible. We think it may be more like 90%, but either way, we should not be penalised due to actions of a few - that's what the regulators should look after and we should be able to choose responsibly when and where we would like to take our companions with us. For example, you don't go to a family pizza restaurant early in an evening if you don't want to be around noisy kids. It would be a sad society that doesn't allow noisy kids in a family restaurant. Also, you don't have to go to a beach that is shared with families and dogs if you don't want to be around dogs - go to a different beach.

A healthy society is full of choices - and respect for others choices as well. Don't be part of the problem. Barking Mad is the only lobby group for pet owners. Join - it's easy.