in-cyprus 2 June 2020 -Josephine Koumettou
The Animal Party asked the Transport Ministry on Tuesday to clarify whether pets can ride on public transport with their owners following an incident where a pet was allowed on the bus and another where it wasn’t.
The Party said in an announcement that following the incidents it contacted the Transport Ministry but officers were not able to provide a clear answer for any rules in place.
Describing the incidents, the Party said that one bus driver did not allow a passenger to enter with their pet citing company policy that allows transport only if the pet is in a cage. Meanwhile, another bus driver allowed a passenger with their pet to get on the bus.
“The Animal Party, aiming to clarify what applies and what doesn’t to keep citizens informed on their rights and obligations as regards movement on public transport with their pets, asks the competent ministry to answer the following:
- Has the Transport Ministry issued any regulations prohibiting or otherwise access to pets on buses?
- Do private companies financed by the state through agreements have the authority to issue guidelines prohibiting or otherwise access to passengers with their pets on public transport?
- Do such guidelines obtain approval by the Transport Ministry?
- Why does no one know what is in place?”
The announcement concluded by noting that most European countries allow pets on all public transport “and as a European nation we should aim to be forward-thinking.”
