Sarah Jane Cuff is part of local group of residents that’s trying to persuade city council to allow small dogs on OC Transpo buses during off-peak hours as long as they’re in carrying cases.
Dog owners may be getting closer to being able to bring their pets on city buses.
A report proposing to let transit riders bring dogs onboard in enclosed carriers when taking OC Transpo buses during off-peak hours is almost complete.
Candice O’Connell, chairperson and founder of Responsible Dog Owners of Canada (formerly the National Capital Coalition for People and Dogs) hopes the report will go to city council by April.
More than 2,000 signatures have been collected in a petition titled “Pets on Public Transit Policy” from various veterinary clinics and pet stores.
Choosing a councillor who will table the proposal before Ottawa city council is the next step. A six-month pilot project is then planned if council says yes to the proposal.
Currently the only canines permitted by OC Transpo bylaw are service dogs for people with a disability.
Sarah Jane Cuff joined the organization over a year ago because of this issue. Cuff stepped onto a bus carrying Little Sparkle, her two-kilogram Yorkshire terrier in hand and was promptly kicked off.
“It was the only transportation available to me at the time so I was at a loss of how to get from point A to point B.”
Cuff produced the report that O’Connell and the board are now preparing for council after conducting extensive research on pets on public transit in Canadian cities and pet allergies.
“The issue of allergies is the justification for having the (current) policy,” said O’Connell.
The report indicates how the required enclosed carriers should make the spreading of pet dander a non-issue for commuters with allergies to cats and dogs.
Cuff says she thinks the policy will be successful since more than 18 major centres across Canada, including Toronto and Vancouver, currently permit leashed or caged dogs on various forms of public transit.
“It is not an invasion of animals,” said O’Connell, stating that safety committees in those cities have reported minimal complaints from patrons.
Each city differs slightly in its rules.
In Calgary there is a fare charged for animals, and owners may be fined up to $150 if they neglect to keep their pet under strict control.
O’Connell explained that owners would keep their small dogs on their lap or stowed underneath their seat during non-rush hours – between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and after 6:30 p.m. – similar to Toronto’s transit regulations.
Ultimately the driver has the authority to refuse any animal considered a risk to other passengers.
O’Connell argued the proposal would address the needs of seniors, those on a fixed income and who have no access to a car.
Alex Cullen, Bay Ward councillor and chair of Ottawa’s transit committee, says he has never heard of the recommendation or of any public demand for it.
“I’m not aware of any of this. It has not hit our radar yet.” He said until the matter comes to council it does not concern him.
Marianne Wilkinson, vice-chair of the transit committee, said she recalled hearing about the issue six months ago from a resident.
“It’s something I think we can certainly look into,” said Wilkinson, adding that after she learns more details she would likely ask the committee to put the issue on the agenda.
The issue was raised in Centretown News in October.