Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation has noted concerns that allowing pet animals onto trains could result in odour and health problems, animal concern group representatives said.
Lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan and representatives of 70 groups attended the meeting with the rail giant on Monday.
They confirmed they suggested limiting pet sizes to 20kg and designating train compartments as solutions.
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The meeting was held after the rail operator and franchised bus firm KMB said last week that they were considering allowing passengers to bring small animals on transport.
Owners hailed the review as a significant step in making Hong Kong more pet-friendly.
“I’m very excited about bringing my dog to all the places that I want to bring him,” a pet owner named Timmy said.
He said he would only need to pay HK$20 (US$2.56) for the MTR ride rather than a HK$250 taxi fare to bring his mameshiba inu Luca to see his mother in Yuen Long.
North district Council member Corey Lau Chun-hoi, who joined Monday’s meeting, said the MTR Corp was told about possible concerns pet owners might have, including odour issues.
Other concerns the groups suggested included how the presence of pets both on trains and in stations might affect passengers who were afraid of or allergic to them, Lau said.
“We recommended the MTR do more frequent cleaning and for better ventilation and air-conditioning systems, especially for pet-friendly cars,” he said, adding the rail company noted the concerns and recommendations.
Lawmaker Edward Lau suggested pets be put in carriers and weigh no more than 20kg, in line with the law that animals above that size are classified as “large dogs”. These dogs are subject to additional regulations, including mandatory leashing in public areas.
Corey Lau said he hoped the MTR Corp would also allow dogs larger than 20kg in the future.
Edward Lau said the rail operator could also impose a surcharge on passengers who brought along pets, with monthly passes as a possible option. The initial implementation could be restricted to non-peak hours and in one or two designated pet-friendly carriages per train.
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Unlike many places worldwide, pets in Hong Kong are barred from most public transport, such as trains, buses and trams, unless they are guide dogs.
Many owners rely on Uber Pet, which adds HK$20 per animal to the fare, or take taxis.
Taxi drivers only charge HK$5 per pet, but they can refuse to take the hire.
Some pet owners expressed confidence that concerns about allowing animals onto public transport could be managed.
Queenie Wong, 33, said most owners clean up after their pets and manage aggressive dogs by using a muzzle.
“As long as dog owners are responsible – and I think most dog owners are – it shouldn’t be a concern,” the owner of a seven-year-old beagle said.
Dr Matthew Murdoch, director and veterinary consultant at pet travel agency Ferndale Kennels, said keeping pets in designated compartments could solve the concerns of those with dog phobias or allergies.
“A lot of people see their pets as family, and it makes sense for them to be able to travel together,” Murdoch said. “There will be some small challenges, but it’s a real first step in making Hong Kong appealing for pets.”
In Japan, trains and buses generally allow small pets in carriers with certain restrictions.
New York’s subway permits animals in carriers, though some passengers have stretched the rules by carrying large dogs in backpacks or modified oversized shopping bags.
Britain and Sweden allow leashed dogs on trains and buses. In Germany and Italy, large-leashed dogs require an additional ticket on trains, while smaller dogs and other pets in carriers travel for free.
The MTR Corp said it was committed to providing safe, reliable and comfortable railway services when asked about the meeting details and whether it had concerns about smell and health issues if pets were allowed on trains.
“It is necessary to consider and balance various factors. The company will continue to communicate with different stakeholders,” a spokesman said in a reply to the South China Morning Post.
