Campaign underway to lift ban on dogs travelling on the Metrolink

Campaign is underway to lift ban on dogs travelling on the Metrolink

Dog lovers are campaigning to allow dogs to travel on the Metrolink after a ban was imposed stopping the animals from being on the service.

Paul Bradby is heading up the campaign  to persuade Metrolink to lift the "unnecessary" ban.

Currently there is no legislation from parliament stopping dogs from travelling on public transport but the Metrolink bans dogs on the service.

Despite this, Metrolink has said that the decision is out of their hands and is a decision made by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Kirstie Beasley, who is supporting the campaign with an online petition, said: “I am trying to demonstrate that residents, business owners and visitors to Greater Manchester do not agree with this policy as it is discriminatory and disadvantages them. They want it changed.”

The petition, which was set up on 19 October ,currently has over 550 signatories. Kirstie added: “The response has largely been very positive from individuals, politicians and local businesses who have pledged their support.”

People supporting the campaign believe that by following through with the ban, dog owners are inconvenienced and efforts to encourage the use of public transport are lost.

Campaigners also claim that Metrolink say if dogs are allowed on the service, it would turn into a zoo.

“My response to that is dogs are allowed on buses and trains in Greater Manchester and there is no evidence that they have turned into a zoo - not even a pets corner," added Kirstie.

The Kennel Club is also supporting the campaign as well as running their own campaign to encourage businesses to be dog friendly.

Kirstie added: “I feel the ban is unfair because Metrolink is not a private entity, it is a public service. They are an organisation charged with providing the public with travel across Greater Manchester; this ban excludes a significant number of people from accessing that service. It makes no sense to exclude responsible dog owners from this public service as it ultimately results in a reduction in revenue to Metrolink as well. I don't feel TfGM or Metrolink have the right to make such decisions.”

To sign the petition, visit: https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/greater-manchester-metrolink-network-and-transport-for-greater-manchester-remove-the-ban-of-dogs-on-greater-manchester-metrolink-trams-2