My name is Paola D’A
lto, I’m an Italian immigrant and have lived in Australia for about two and a half years.
About ten months ago I decided to get myself a dog to have some company, because sometimes, the loneliness is overwhelming, because my family and friends are back home in Italy. Today my puppy and I are best friends, we are practically inseparable.
But unfortunately here in Australia, compared to Europe I had to confront restrictions and red tape that the Australian government imposes on owners of furry friends.
In Europe the dogs can go everywhere with their owner. Supermarkets, public transport, bars, restaurants, offices etc. Dogs are also protected by many laws that protect them from abuse and mistreatment. For example, if an owner of a dog mistreats or abandons the dog they are required to pay a penalty, and in more serious cases, are provided with a term of imprisonment.
In addition, Europe has for years allowed dogs to travel safely by air from one country to another, without the obligation of having to stay in quarantine for three months. Smaller dogs can also travel in the cabin, under their owners’ seats.
Even laws that apply inside the kennels are different in Europe. The abandoned dogs are welcomed into institutions, where the animals health and psychological state are monitored, then every effort is made to try and find the little victim the warmth of a family.
Adoptions are free, and the dog is vaccinated and desexed. In addition, the families, for the first few months will be supported by volunteers, who will follow the process of the adoption and provide any assistance the dog and their new family may require.
All these laws for dogs also serve to curb cases of abandonment. Unfortunately in Australia we are still quite far away from where the Europeans are with their animal friendly laws, there are too many archaic laws over here that should be torn down.
And what do you think? Do you think it is right that our little friend is free to follow us everywhere without restrictions?
———————-
Paola D’Alto works within the marketing team at FindADogMinder head office in Sydney whilst also studying an Advanced Diploma in Marketing at Australian Pacific College. Her dog, Fiocco (pictured above) is the reason why Paola began researching Australian companion animal regulations.
I would like dogs to be able to travel everywhere with their owners, although I am a bit wary of dogs traveling overseas without quarantine because of serious diseases like rabies. As we don’t have rabies in Australia I don’t see a problem with dogs traveling on planes with their owners.
People obviously have to be responsible with their dogs with more freedom, as in cleaning up their mess and not allowing aggressive dogs to fight others.
I am a lady 54 and live alone no family or friends thorough moving a lot as a child. Now I have a fur baby her name is Missy she has not left my sight since 6-7 weeks when I first held her. My life has lots of trauma she brings so much comfort and support call me crazy but she goes everywhere, however Adelaide train system treats me like I’m carrying a bomb where most people arnt bothered she lies happy in a child’s pram very calm little soul! So now can’t travel as public is my only way. I’m lucky at my Coles supermarkets they are kind letting her in her pram shop with me. To me she is my child, she’s makes grown grumpy men smile. I wish our laws were relaxed, lets be loving to the point our mates can come along instead of being left behind. I support Australian laws becoming like Europe .