Rail Net

Yesterday, dogs and their owners rode a train to Hualien on a travel package which allows pets. The group took the ‘pet party’ carriage from Taipei. A trial period for three months was launched by the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) that started on the 1st of July to accommodate the pets.

Liu Chu-mei, from the travel agency which organised the tour, said that the pets would be accompanied to the hotel rooms and the restaurants by their owners. Liu, a dog lover, appealed to the administration to assign train cars for pets and their owners. To avoid disturbing the other travellers, the group took the morning train. They boarded on a remote platform, although the 19 pets still attracted attention from other passengers. Lee Yung-sheng, station director, received complaints about the animals. Although dog lovers liked the policy, others were not happy. One complainant filed a lawsuit stating that passengers’ rights were ignored. Furthermore, the person said that those with health risks must not be forced to be with the pets.

Chang Ying-huei, deputy director-general of TRA, commented that the public’s opinion will be considered. He mentioned that two surveys were carried out before the trial run. About 70 percent were against the move, while 14 percent applauded it. Another survey later showed that approvals went to 24 percent, while those who disapproved fell to 55 percent. The TRA said that there was an increase in the number of people who wanted to be with their pets while travelling.

The pets, however, must have a carrier which can be put under a seat and cannot leak urine.