HONG KONG: Owners of pet cats and dogs in Hong Kong will be allowed to bring their furkids on board light rail trains operated by MTR Corporation in a new two-month-long trial starting on May 1.
Called the Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme, these pets can travel on the trains during only weekends and public holidays, among other conditions, the transport operator said in a statement on March 25.
Introduced in 1988, MTR’s light rail network serves people primarily in the New Territories, and also serves as a feeder service for one of its main train lines.
“We recognise the growing public demand for facilitating cat/dog travel and hope to contribute to promoting an inclusive community,” said Cheris Lee, the company’s chief of operating and metro segment.
Passengers must buy a monthly pass at HK$99 (S$17), which allows them to bring one cat or dog with them per ride on any number of light rail rides. Not all dogs are allowed: Large dogs weighing 20kg or more are excluded, as well as “fighting dogs” or other “known dangerous dogs”, as defined under Hong Kong legislation.
Pet owners must also pay their own fares and carry their furkids only in pet-specific carriers or backpacks within size limits. These carriers must be fully closed in the trains and the platform area, with no part of the animal’s body exposed.
They can board and alight only at the last door of the light rail cabins, and must remain at the rear throughout the journey.
MTR Corporation partnered with Hong Kong’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which provided travel tips for the pet owners, as well as relevant training to its front-line staff.
The society’s deputy director for welfare, Dr Fiona Woodhouse, said the trial is a culmination of two years of discussions with MTR on allowing people to travel on trains with their cats and dogs.
She added: “By making this trial a success, we hope the initiative can be expanded further in the near future.” - The Straits Times/ANN
