Allow dogs on Halifax Transit ferries, councillor says

A Halifax Regional Municipalitycouncillorsays dogs should be allowed on the harbour ferries.

David Hendsbee, who representsPreston-Chezzetcook-Eastern Shore,plans to make a motion at Tuesday's council meeting asking his fellow councillorsto consider a staff report looking at the feasibility of permitting dogs on the Halifax Transit ferry service.

Hendsbee saysin his motion that "residents have been discussing and requesting" the change from the current rules, which allow only service dogs.

"HRM is a pet friendly municipality and responsible pet owners may want to take their dogs with them," the motion reads. "HRM should accommodate that need."

Hendsbee'smotion has two caveats:

• Owners must havefull control of the dogs with leashes, muzzles or carriers.
• Any cleanup should a dog "relieve itself" would be done by the owner.

The motion also asks staff to look into the option of providing "a couple" of pet cage kennels.

The District 2 councillorcould not immediately be reached for comment.