Talk of the town : Pet-friendly measures in Hong Kong
【明報專訊】In Hong Kong, people are usually not allowed to bring their pets into shops, restaurants, shopping malls, or public transport unless it is a guide dog for the blind.
MTR will introduce a trial scheme allowing passengers to travel with their pets on Light Rail under specific conditions. Each passenger will be limited to transporting just one cat or dog, which must be properly secured in an approved pet carrier. For operational convenience and passenger comfort, pet owners will be required to board and exit exclusively through the rearmost doors of Light Rail vehicles.
MTR has also expressed concerns about potential issues associated with introducing pet carriages, including odor problems and health issues.
Pet carriages in other places
Unlike Hong Kong, some transportation companies in neighbouring and Western countries has been allowing people to travel with their pets.
In Tokyo, passengers can bring small dogs and cats on the subway, but they must place them in dedicated pet carriers.
The Finnish national railway VR offers pet-friendly travel on all trains, with comfortable seating for dogs, cats, and other pets. The charges for the pet carriages are calculated based on the distance of the journey, ranging from 4 to 8 euros (approximately 35 to 70 HKD).
Other pet-friendly measures in Hong Kong
In recent years, to meet the increasing public demand for more pet-friendly measures in Hong Kong, the government has adopted many practices to take pet-friendly initiatives to the next level. The government has designated certain places for pet gardens that are specially designed for use by pets, typically equipped with fences and double pet gates to prevent pets from running away.
Additionally, in 2019, the government launched the Inclusive Park for Pets (寵物共享公園)with the objective of creating an inclusive environment where both park users and pets can utilise park facilities together. Apart from government support, some shopping malls like AIRSIDE in Kai Tak have also developed their pet-friendly practices.
■Game
(Answer on next text)
The alphabet goes from A to Z but I go Z to A. What am I? (Guess an animal)
■Grammar Booster
Take (something) to the next level
To make progress or improve something so that it is better, more advanced, or more successful.
E.g. He wants a piano which can take his skills to the next level.
■Gear up
(Answers on next text)
1. In Hong Kong, we can bring our pets on the bus.(True/ False)
Fill in the blanks with the glossary below.
2. There is a general ______ about rising unemployment rates.
3. The great collection of this library allowed me to ______ more rare sources.
■Glossary
rearmost (adj) 最後的
concern (n) 擔憂
odor (n) (難聞的)氣味
utilise (v) 有效運用
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第439期]
