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.

All Welcome Including Dogs & Tired Walkers

It may come as no surprise that a large percentage of Barking Mad Members have lived or travelled overseas where socialised dogs accompany their owners (AND THEIR CHILDREN) to all manner of places. It may also be concluded, though not yet proven, that those Australians who think dogs are vermin may not be so well travelled.....

We love this photo sent to us by a member who comments:

"Apart from the incredible culture and beauty of Florence we were also struck by this phenomenon -the popularity of dogs and how they are welcomed in the main squares, and would you believe in a number of smart boutiques and stores. In was quite wonderful to be greeted each day in the breakfast room by the resident dog Poldo. The streets are not covered with dog pooh which one therefore assumes this freedom to dogs and their owners must bring about mutual respect .

Britain has always been a nation of dog lovers and certainly this has not changed, with so many country pubs and areas welcoming man and his best friend. We were missing our 2 mini schnauzers very much, but we were compensated by many a canine friend to cuddle and talk to. There was a greater percentage of holiday accommodation that readily accepted dogs, quite unlike in Australia.

One of our best memories was a visit to a delightful restaurant in Norfolk which overlooked the marshes of the Wash. After lunch we joined the many families and their dogs on a delightful walk, truly doggy heaven and then enjoyed tea on the terrace where the same hospitality was extended to the children, their parents and their beautiful dogs.

We love living in Sydney having left UK nearly 5 years ago to retire here, but we are always amazed at the bureaucracy surrounding dog owners and the tension that exists in pursuing less restrictive laws for dogs and their owners, certainly unheard of in Europe."

Our comment: WE KNOW. THAT'S WHY WE ARE BARKING MAD.

Cats that look like Hitler

We couldn't resist linking to the catsthatlooklikehitler website. Why? Because they can laugh at themselves. Also, the debate from viewers is mighty! It is as polarised as that on Hensen and Hanson and these are just innocent cats!

No Sh*t - Campaign for Cleaner Shoes

What is it about dog poo that gets up peoples noses so much? That's it! It STINKS. When our local council doesn't enforce the poo laws, they make us, the responsible pet owners out to be a public enemy. Yet, we pay rates for litter pick-up without fining those people who dump there cigarette butts and drink bottles... Read today's media on 'Stubbing Out the Mess' and add your comments.

Join our Campaign for Cleaner Shoes on Shitonmyshoe.com.au and Register your support.

Fox Hound

When in too deep - look straight ahead and say nothing!

Putting Good Dogs Down

BORN THE WRONG BREED: Today we mourn the loss of two vibrant, healthy, desexed, 3 year old dogs who were put down by their loving, and experienced Doberman owner. Here is a quote from one family who knew these dogs:

"It is a sad old world when dog lovers of such obvious passion are placed in such an impossible position. I hope the gutless council members involved in this travesty of justice choke on their tea and scones. And to think we by our ambivalence and lack of involvement in local government affairs are passively supporting these people.

And for what ?

Well there is always vibrant discussion and obstruction when some poor resident submits a development application for a driveway 2 inches wider than regulation. They do a song and dance to protect their precious regulations. Well this time it was more important than the width of a driveway.

Tonight children who were fortunate enough know your dogs are crying themselves to sleep. And when they ask why you had to put them to sleep, perhaps our elected officials can fill in the blanks because I can't. I attempted the dangerous dog line only to be corrected by my daughter bringing the wisdom that her five years have given her.

No Dad, that cannot be because the dogs are not dangerous. Of course she is right."

Barking Mad comments: This post is as much of a warning as it is a memorial to these two dogs and their courageous owners. The owners, who provided 5 fenced acres for their pets and who nearly never left the dogs alone, fought a protracted battle against one dangerous dog accusation, an 'incident' with conflicting reports and a neighbour who strongly believed that dobermans should not be kept as pets. The matter did not go before the court. The dog was not found guilty of being dangerous and strong evidence from professional dog trainers favoured this finding if it had gone to court. So why give up after 6 months? They were not going to win. Rhetoric wins over fact, belief wins over science and it's politically easier to remove a perceived threat than to look at cause and effect . "No community minded, responsible citizens should ever have to go through what my wife and I have had to endure; almost 6 months of gut wrenching stress for the benefit of absolutely no one."

The dangerous dog declaration in NSW can happen to anyone and any dog that is ever outside of it's property. When my dog lunged at another dog who also lunged at her while both owners were going opposite directions on a pedestrian crossing and both dogs were on leads is enough to declare both dogs dangerous if someone takes offense to this doggie behaviour. What's wrong with the provisions of the current Act:

• The provisions came in as a political reaction.
• A dangerous dog declaration can be made on a council officer's own initiative or on the written application of any other person (YES – ANY PERSON).
• The owner of the dog is subject to penalty before evidence or trial - guilty before proven.
• Council will favour matters going to a court so they wash their hands of any incidents.
• On the positive, some Councils now realise the extensive financial burden of these provisions and are reviewing their enforcement procedures with a view of more fairness to the dog and owner.

I myself have witnessed 'breedist' behaviour from people who are conditioned to be frightened of big dogs, shepherds and dobermans. We don't know all the facts in this case, and never will because it didn't go to court. Because of that, I can make no other comments other than to point out the guilty before innocent application of the 'dangerous' provision of the current law. I will also say that I have received numerous calls from dog trainers who are very fed up with slap happy rangers who declare dogs dangerous as a result of any complaint. I've also received calls from owners who have voluntarily put their dog down (mostly rescue dogs) when they were not able to obtain a required level of trust of the dogs' behaviour. I was surprised at a comment from someone working in an off-leash dog area for several years: "I would say that Maltese Terriers are responsible for half of the dog aggression incidents I have seen".

We try to do the best with our dogs and meet societys' ever increasing standard of acceptable dog behaviour. No longer will we tolerate dog coming back from a day out playing with a bite out of its ear. But with ever increasing restrictions on where we can take pooch, and households with fewer people, it can be difficult to socialise a dog to the level required.

Paws Action Update

Congratulations are due to our members Cat Rescue & Death Row Pets for their successful rally at NSW Parliament House. Read their blog here.

Parliament House NSW - Wednesday

Hi everyone, I'm out of hospital and working one or two days a week for the remainder of the month of May. Thank you members for your terrific support, cards and messages during these last few difficult weeks.

Tomorrow many Barking Members will be joining Paws for Action at NSW Parliament House. Pema and I will be there as well and are being accommodated at a wonderful Sydney Hotel. (Think Paris and her dog. Do you think she would put up with the 'no pets' signs so prolific in some parts of Australia?)

On a serious note, we love to rescue pets and give them a second chance. It can be rewarding and satisfying (Pema is a rescue). As so many animals lovers know, or quickly learn when they volunteer to rescue, is that Australia has a shocking record of pet euthanasia. We are really bad, which seems inconsistent with the money we lavish on our pets, but it is true.

The most interesting thing about the 'Animals Bill' is the amount of mis-information being touted about it; a time wasting tactic that diverts attention from the real issue. Pet owner education that includes reducing impulse pet purchases as well as integrating pets into our communities (housing, transport, recreation) will reduce the pet surrender rate.

• The UK has not had dogs and cats sold in pet shops for years. They still have high pet ownership and a lower surrender rate than we do. Pets are also welcome on public transport and in pubs, and frequently live a happy life in a unit or with an owner who rents.

But we don't like 'facts', they don't make good media or create shock. Example: North Sydney has had the majority of parks off-leash for ten years, yet that hardly figured in the vigorous and often vicious and personal debate about the City of Sydney's (successful) plan to expand their off-leash parks. Please come to Parliament House between 11.30am and 2pm if you are able.

Food + Bones = Community

A room full of support and months of lobbying has paid-off for Cafe Bones. post incomplete

Police and CHARGE against Barking Mad

Maybe they read the paper the day after their arrest of me in February and found out, once again, Barking Mad did our legal research better. Can't say much more as I am still in hospital and now I have plaintiff lawyers chasing ME and you can read into that what you wish. Here is an excerpt of the email from the NSW Police; we love their use of the softer word 'allegation' when in fact it was a charge - by three arresting officers.

Dear Ms Zey,

I wish to advise you that the prosecution will seek to withdraw the allegation of 'Resist Police in the Execution of Duty' which is currently listed for mention before the Burwood Local Court. (name), Senior Sergeant, Burwood Area Prosecution Co-ordinator

Barking Mad is still dealing with 'dog on railway property' from Central Station Sydney and once again, can't say much. But have a laugh: we think LEVEL CROSSINGS are railway property, and if they are, you can't cross them with your dog or that dog would be 'on railway property' and get a $100 fine. Can anyone confirm this for me? No word from RailCorp as yet. And what if you cross those tracks on foot and/or in a vehicle (or train!).

I'm heading into hospital so Barking Mad will be slowing down for the next few weeks. Check contact us for urgent matters and please lend your support to the Clontarf Sandy Bay campaign near Manly.

One of my heath concerns is related to being brutally arrested on Victoria Road when travelling legally with my dog; and that is why I've posted this wonderful guide written by the EDO NSW. I just wish the NSW Police would know how different our rights are before being arrested than to after being arrested. Their knowledge of this and the DDA (login for this link) would have prevented any issue on this bus trip. (Barking Mad would also like to stress the co-dependence of rights and responsibilities. Lastly, please check-out the updated events and work for us pages.

Summit Dog

We attended the 2020 local summit in the most marginal seat in the country today. It was NOT a talk-fest. It was a wonderful to be with people who were engaged in their community and had practical solutions to ongoing issues - such as our 'growing' economy that is dependent on the cheap labour overseas, or the selling of public assets.

Our contribution was to the summit topic 'health' where I introduced Pema as a 24 x 7 health care worker. She will work for ten years or more, never needing a pay rise and without complaint. No, she can't change a nappy, but brings joy, i.e. respite, to both staff and clients at hospitals and in aged care. No one in health care disagreed. Why then is every obstacle put in front of people and agencies who want to expand the therapeutic experience by getting more dogs working with the ill?

My Dog Isn't Invisible....

. . .but my disability is. Join Barking Mad for events around the country to raise awareness and celebrate the value of dogs to people with disabilities. In this event, now in our second year, we aim to demonstrate how highly trained (and often self-trained) dogs assist people with invisible disabilities. Event date 3rd December, events announced in August.

IT COULD BE YOU! Grief, despair, stress, change - it can get to us and stop us from functioning fully in life. It could be temporary, long-term or even permanent. If you don't get on top of it after it gets on top of you, you can become a 'burden' on our health care system. If your dog assists you to maintain a healthy life, to stay alive, to participate in society, then you and doggie may be protected from discrimination by the Disability Discrimination Act.

IT COULD BE YOUR MUM. Barking Mad is often told about a women in her senior years who is having difficultly coping with grief after the death of a life-partner. (As boomers, these 60 year partnerships leave us in awe). We then hear of how their partner's dog comforts them. This may sound like a difficult but manageable situation, but what about when Mum moves into a unit and the neighbour decides that 'dogs don't belong in units' and lets Mum know. Barking Mad gets these stories nearly every week. Dog gets surrendered because Mum can't deal with conflict from her new neighbour. Lots of doggie rescue organisaitons come in to help the dog, but who now assists Mum with getting through her grief? Sure, she may cope; but she may start to withdraw and lose her will to live as she has now lost her reason to go out for a walk every day.

I really want to stress how often Barking Mad hears these stories. If we are hearing so many, how many aren't we hearing? We are an ageing population. The average age of people in care is 70, and the average age of their carers in 50 (source Legacy employee). In ten years, we will have a major crisis. If a dog assists a person to keep their independence longer, it is essentially a HEALTH CARE WORKER. Full stop. It will work 24/7 for ten years without complaint and never ask for a pay rise.

Please - if you can organise an event in your area, perhaps if you have a dog that visits health care facilities, or if you have had a 'my dog saved my life' experience, contact us. We will be registering events mid-year. We are quietly excited about some health care agencies who 'love' our campaign in this area and hope we can announce sponsors or partnerships with these organisations soon.

Dogs: Fight or Flight?

It's often said that the best way to introduce one dog to another is in the same situation, i.e. both on a lead, or both on a lead. I've heard it explained that this because of their 'fight or flight' animal nature, and on a lead, 50% of their choice is taken away. Don't panic professional dog trainers - Barking Mad is not and does not profess to be dog trainers; I'm just repeating what I've heard and trying to make a joke!

Because FLIGHT now has turned into travel on Qantas for Kane (above) and a very joyful experience for the flight attendants. Kane was a star, completely settled. It was reported that two other assistance dogs last week would not settle for the entire flight. Good on you Kane and good on his guardian for putting up with the daily discrimination for having a self-trained assistance animal.

Paws Fly Qantas

As I write, one of our members is flying from Sydney to Brisbane with his previously 'unidentified' assistance dog. This dog enables our member to travel without the need for a human companion and provides him with Independence. Nope - not a guide dog, hearing dog or other dog trained by an organisation at the cost of $20,000, but a dog trained by his owner and recognised by the Disability Discrimination Act but not many State governments and pitifully few Local Governments. Qantas even provided doggie with an absorbent mat in case of a doggie accident. It won't happen as dog has flown before and is trained like most assistance dogs to toilet on command, but it is a gesture of kindness we appreciate.

Parliament Animals - NSW

Pema at NSW Parliament HousePema at NSW Parliament House Roof Garden with the children of one of our MPs. Another view of the NSW Parliament Roof Garden - no doubt a butt more tolerated than the (shock-horror) incident of dog poo - which is highly unlikely. OK, the question is - why do we tolerate this litter but not the occasional dog poo. To take it further, why can ducks, seagulls etc poo on our streets without a public outcry?
_______________________________________________

Barking Mad Equity for Pet Owners is now a registered lobby group in NSW. They won't miss us as we show up with dogs! Today was our first day in Parliament and we will be there most of next week. Free doggie travel bag to the member who chooses to sponsor our $220 lobby pass! Email Eedra.

barkingmad.org.au - our new home

We've lost the dash - does that mean we are no longer a dash mad, or does that mean our symbolic 'dog lead' dash was obtuse? Probably both, but dot org is a good place for an organisation so here we are!

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.