Saudi Arabia May Allow Pets on Public Transportation

Saudi Public Transport Authority revealed a new suggestion to allow pet owners to take their small animals with them while riding public transportation, Alkhaleej Online reported.

However, officials said that animals must be small and should be carried inside their own box intended for the commute to make it easier.

The request has come under a huge campaign list suggested by the Saudi Public Transport Authority. According to authorities, the project included a number of general and specific provisions for each means of public transport, which it said aims to protect the rights of users of land and maritime transport activities.

The authority further said this new bill aims at achieving equal rights between all the people who are using public transportation and enabling people with disabilities to have the right to move freely while using buses or trains.

According to local Saudi newspaper, Al Watan, passengers with visual impairment are allowed to take approved service animals on board a vehicle.

The suggested bill has caused mixed reactions on social media considering that dogs are defined as impure animals in Islam- unlike cats. Moreover, dogs are not allowed to enter the kingdom unless they are classified as ‘working dogs’ for hunting, guarding and guiding disabled people.

Translation: “taking dogs on public transportation?;  Aren't dogs impure??!!; When will we hear about animal welfare associations”.

Translation: “So how will that benefit me?”.