A photo of two dogs sitting on passenger seats on a Sydney light rail service has ignited a heated debate online, with many labelling the act as “entitled.”
The image, posted to Reddit, shows two small dogs seated next to their owners, who are holding onto their leashes.
“Typical entitled dog owners flouting public transport rules,” the original poster wrote.
The comment section quickly filled with Sydneysiders divided over both the etiquette and legality of the situation.
One remarked, “Great, now those dogs have their dirty butts rubbing all over the seats. Gross.”
Another added: “I love dogs and have a German Shepherd myself, but I would never do this nor want to see any other dog on public transport chairs”.
“As a dog owner myself, this p**ses me off so much. I absolutely hate it when other dog owners flout the rules,” a third said.
Some also pointed out the potential health risks.
“I generally am pro-dog in any debate, but the reality is that pet dander allergy is one of the most common allergies. You can make people sick by putting these pups on seats,” wrote one user.
Others just saw it as a blatant disregard for shared spaces.
“I love dogs, but I wouldn’t do this. People need to respect public spaces,” one person commented, while others described the move as “nasty”, “clueless”, and “useless.”
Concerns were also raised for people with illnesses, disabilities or a fear of dogs.
“I don’t want to take my disabled and/or immunocompromised clients on public transport for something like this to happen to them,” wrote one woman.
“It’s so avoidable, it’s dumb.”
However, some supported the idea of dogs on public transport, arguing that Sydney lags behind other global cities, especially across Europe and the Americas, where dogs are commonly allowed.
“In Europe, dogs are everywhere: trains, restaurants, etc.,” said one commenter.
“Too many rules in this country,” another added.
“For such an outdoorsy city, it’s insane how snobby people and establishments are regarding dogs,” wrote a third.
Others argued that strict public transport rules disadvantage pet owners who don’t own a car.
With 40 percent of Sydney households owning one or more dogs, the city has one of the highest dog ownership rates around the world.
Others pointed out that they have seen worse behavior from people on public transport.
“I’ve seen humans behaving worse in the seats. I’m not for it, but people disgust me more than dogs, to be honest,” said one.
“If only we limited some of the other animals allowed on public transport,” another joked.
According to Transport for NSW, only assistance animals with valid accreditation are permitted on all public transport in New South Wales.
For other pets, including dogs, the regulations are much stricter.
Pets may be allowed to travel on buses, ferries, light rail, and in taxis if they are confined in a box, basket, or other container, but are not permitted at all on Metros and trains.
Permission is still required from staff or the driver, who may refuse the animal if the service is reaching capacity, or if the animal appears unclean, vicious, or likely to annoy, threaten, or inconvenience other customers.
According to the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017, the fine for breaching these rules is $550.
