Metrolink’s ban on dogs is set to stay in place

Councillor Howard Sykes

A TRIAL to allow dogs to travel on the Metrolink network in Greater Manchester is set to be blocked tomorrow, leaving the Dog’s Trust as well as Oldham Lib-Dem leader Howard Sykes snarling.

The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) policy sub-committee’s no-vote on a trial will go to full committee tomorrow, when councillors are expected to scrap the plan.

The sub-committee rejected the proposal last Friday, when the chairman apparently did not permit any discussion and moved directly to a vote.

Councillor Sykes, who sits on the Committee of Transport for Greater Manchester, has condemned Labour and Conservative councillors for blocking the proposals.

Councillor Sykes said: “Constituents have told me that they would like to see dogs allowed on trams, and TfGM’s own polling shows most people are in favour.

“Dogs are allowed on buses and on trains without any problems so why not on trams? This would enable responsible dog owners to take the tram across Greater Manchester to walk with their pet, or just use the tram to link into main line train services when visiting relatives or going on holiday.

“The Lib-Dem proposal was a modest first step — a trial to allow dogs on trams. Why the Labour and the Conservative councillors would gang up together to block even a trial, against the wishes of the public, beggars belief.”

Councillor Sykes added: “We are not giving up. The Liberal Democrats will make the case tomorrow. I will try to speak on this if I am allowed to.”

The issue began in 2013, when it was decided a review would take place of the 1992 by-law banning dogs on trams.

Following a public consultation, councillors on Transport for Greater Manchester’s policy committee decided to delay a decision for four months in July.

But when the issue was raised at a committee meeting on Friday, councillors blocked a trial to allow dogs on carriages in cages.

The concerns include passenger safety, fouling, damage, animals’ stress-induced behaviour and allergies.

The rejection came despite backing from hundreds of residents and the RSPCA — who said dogs were less likely to be left home alone with the plan.

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Lesley O’Donoghue, deputy manager at Dog’s Trust Manchester in Denton, said: “Dog’s Trust feels strongly that dog owners should not be discriminated against on public transport and should be allowed to travel on Metrolink with their dog.

“Being able to travel easily on public transport with your dog means that dogs don’t need to be left home alone as much as they might be otherwise.

“Being able to use the tram system across Greater Manchester would help owners explore the many wonderful dog-friendly parks and other public spaces the region has to offer.”