Subway Dogs
By Scott - Apr 14, 06 Transit Tails
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Last time CityPets was in Toronto we met a furry commuter on the subway. We were shocked at the gaul of the puppy’s human until we learned Toronto, in fact, allows four-legged riders. Our friend Erica recently posted this proof of Canadian superiority. Reportedly, Boston also allows animals on the train.
Should the MTA consider allowing other species passenger status, or is New York’s system just too crowded, dirty and dangerous for our furry friends? There is clearly a demand.
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I can see why it may be unwise to allow dogs on the NYC trains - they can be very crowded. Imagine a dog owner who doesn’t know how to control his/her dog on a train packed with people and other dogs?
But as a dog owner in Brooklyn, I dream of being able to take my dog to Manhattan on the train. Maybe they could have a Dog Car? As a cyclist I also think there should be a Bike Car. Of course, some people may start saying “Heck, why not have a Kid Car and a Reading Car and a Coffee Car, etc.”
Anyone else have thoughts on dogs on the trains?
Life could be easier for some people if their dogs were allowed on trains because they could get them to the veterinarian (if they don’t live within walking distance already).
If dogs were permitted in trains on non-rush hour times, that would be my dream.
As for the coffee car, I’d love it. I probably wouldn’t be thrilled about a dog car, unless I left my dog at home. Then it would be fun.
Lets think about this clearly, Trains are small confined places. Its bad enough we have to deal with smelly people and over crowding on the train, now you want to make it worst by adding dogs to the train. I don’t see how that’s a good idea. We have enough problems with NYC subways, Lets not add the problems that a dog could add to that list.
Lets consider The thousands of people who are not dog lovers that ride the trains every day. (sorry guys, but not every one is a canine cuddle!!) If some one has an allergy (which a good number of people do) and they get on a train and notice your dog after the door closes, their stuck in a bad situation. They can’t open a window or go to the next car. If that person gets real sick, That could stop the train, Hinder all of the commuters and possibly stop that train line from running all together. IF that person is afraid of dogs,(which a good majority of people are) they could panic and loose it, this yields the same reaction. Trains delayed, commuters delayed, blah blah blah!! Fear breeds stupidity and we have enough of that on the trains. Another example, there are other dogs on the train and they get into a barking match in this tiny little train car! Barking can be loud outside, but can you imagine what it sounds like on a train car? Can you imagine the amount of fear and chaos a dog barking on a packed train could produce. Now I know all owners think that they have their dogs under control and they know their dog Blah blah blah, But you guys seem to forget that Dogs are living creatures with their own minds. If they want to flip out for whatever reason, there’s no amount of petting, doggy treats or commands that will stop them. You could get bit yourself (which has happened to owners all over the world).What if a person whose afraid of dogs is carrying food home. 95% of dogs beg for food by staring at you while you eat. Which means that this person is going to get unwanted attention from your dog!
What most dog owners don’t understand is that they have a potentially dangerous animal on their hands. Granted most dogs are as friendly as santa Claus and go their whole lives with out attacking any one, But it’s that potential to be dangerous that restricts them from places like trains.
It’d be interesting to hear how frequently problems arise in other cities (like Toronto) that do allow canines on trains uncaged. If incidents are rare enough, it could be worth trying out, especially outside of rush hours when the trains aren’t as packed.