The Italian state railway company Trenitalia is banning all dogs weighing over 6kg from its services (including guide dogs) as from October 1st. Dogs brought on to the trains must be carried in a pet travel cage and be up to date with their vaccinations. The reason behind this is apparently to keep the trains clean ().
There's a protest at Rome's Termini Station on Wednesday October 1st at 11am, where citizens plus their four-footed furry friends will be taking a train in an act of civil disobedience.
I wish I could go but Rome is far away and I have to work
The whole of Italy is up in arms about this and I think it's a scandalous move, it's already hard enough owning a dog in Italy as it is. In summer dogs are banned from beaches (or they can go on the beach but not in the water) and from many public areas. The other night a friend of mine went to an outdoor festival and was approached by two policemen who told her to muzzle her dog (a Labrador) or leave. She left in disgust and I don't blame her.
Bloody Trenitalia, yet another step backwards for Italy as compared to the rest of the EU. Boo.
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