In Milan, dogs and cats travel free on public transport
Environment — di Brunella Paciello
From July, pets in Milan will be able to travel free on public transport. A significant victory for those who love and respect their four-legged friends.
In Milan, dogs and cats travel free on public transport
From July, pets in Milan will be able to travel free on public transport. A significant victory for those who love and respect their four-legged friends.
In Milan, a new wind is blowing when it comes to pets. From 15 July, dogs and cats will be able to travel free on public transport. The decision was made by the City Council, which unanimously approved an amendment put forward by Lega councillor Gabriele Abbiati.
In the meantime, the regulations of the Azienda trasporti milanesi (Atm) will need to be updated accordingly, and must stipulate that pet owners are always required to carry the European pet passport to show upon request by Atm staff.
The use of escalators on the underground will also be prohibited for animals — particularly dogs, as cats will travel in their carrier — since paws and claws could become caught in the joints of the mechanisms.
Dal 15/7 i ragazzi fino a 14 anni, gli animali da compagnia e le insegnanti che accompagnano le scolaresche viaggiano gratis sui mezzi di Atm Lo ha deciso il Consiglio comunale di @ComuneMi approvando una serie di agevolazioni per chi si muove col trasporto pubblico.
How animals used to travel in Milan
Before the approval of the current regulations, the conditions for travelling with four-legged friends in the city of Milan were different. Dogs, cats and other small animals could only travel on public transport if they were small in size and kept in a suitable carrier of no more than 50 cm (longest side). An ordinary ticket had to be validated for each one.
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Medium-sized dogs, on a lead and wearing a muzzle, were permitted from the start of service until 7:30, then from 9:30 to 17:30 and finally from 20:30 until end of service, always with a ticket for each animal. Only guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired travelled free of charge.
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An act of civility and respect
Under the current regulations, general statutory rules remain in force. Dogs may travel with their owners on a short lead and wearing a muzzle, while cats must remain inside their carrier at all times. The new rules are, however, tangible evidence of the importance of animal rights, which politics is now beginning to acknowledge. Greater protection for four-legged friends, and the opportunity not to have to be separated from them even during daily journeys, will undoubtedly increase the likelihood that elderly people and families will adopt dogs and cats, saving lives and helping to effectively prevent straying and abandonment.