A recent incident in Bogotá’s Integrated Public Transport System (Sitp) has revived debate over the rights of users traveling with their pets on mass transit in the city.
The issue became clear after a video clip spread on social media. A driver was seen on Route 19-1 in Alcalá asking a passenger to get off the bus with his dogs, under the pretext that pets are not allowed to be transported in the system.. The event sparked anger among users and reactions from public figures and authorities, by putting on the table the current regulations and the treatment received by those who travel with animals in this means of transportation.
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The situation was recorded in a recording that has been widely circulated on digital platforms since last Tuesday. The material shows how the driver refuses to provide service to a person accompanied by two dogs. In reference to the justification for the alleged ban on the entry of animals on the businsisting that if permitted, the animals should be transported in the hold of the vehicle.
During the exchange process, The affected user explained that he transports his pets in a cage, with a leash and a muzzle, in accordance with regulatory requirements. Another voice intervening on the recording highlights that there is no explicit requirement for crates in all cases and claims that denying entry due to the presence of pets unfairly limits the right to access transportation.
The video also shows other users expressing their dissatisfaction with the official’s position, indicating that the driver’s actions represent a refusal of service that affects all passengers present. finally, After several minutes of short but tense discussion, the driver asks the person and his animals to get off, remembering that the bus doors are open.Claiming that he is not detaining anyone.
The controversy escalated into the public sphere when Senator Andrea Pinilla Villarraga brought the issue to light Don’t let abusive drivers and ignorance prevail“, the parliamentarian wrote, referring to the official accounts of TransMilenio and other entities of the transport system.
Addressing Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, Pinilla called for more clarity and measures to guarantee the rights of people responsible for the use of animals and their owners.
Due to controversy, current regulations drawn up by TransMilenio and the Regional Institute for Animal Protection and Welfare (Idpyba) Dogs, cats and small pets are allowed to travel on public transport, as long as certain conditions are met. Animals should be transported in a box or container appropriate to their size, allowing the animal to move freely and comfortably.
The system prohibits carrying pets in their arms, as well as placing the box on bus seats. In addition, only one pet is allowed per user, and feeding the animal or carrying food containers inside the crate is not permitted.
For medium and large breed dogs, it is essential that they enter with a collar and remain on a leash during the trip, always on the floor of the bus and never on the seats. It is essential to have an up-to-date vaccination card and present it if necessary. Owners of dogs classified as special handling must be of legal age and comply with the mandatory use of a leash and muzzle, keeping the animal under control at all times.
Guide animals can enter the system without a muzzle and without crate restrictions, as long as they have the corresponding identification in accordance with Law 769 of 2002.
Authorities recommend users to keep in mind that only one animal per person is allowed.Regardless of the method of transportation used, responsible ownership requires maintaining control of the animal and avoiding disturbance to other passengers.