Ukrainian Railways initiated an update to the rules for transporting animals. The company has already submitted a new version of the Rules for the carriage of passengers, luggage, cargo baggage and mail for approval to the State Regulatory Service of Ukraine.
The national carrier announced this on its own Facebook page.
The company said that to make changes, "they studied tons of feedback, the experience of partner railways, attracted UAnimals experts, lawyers, colleagues from the Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure."
After approval of the new version of the rules, the following changes will occur:
- The definition of "rigid construction" from the description of carriers will disappear: a modern backpack for animals will do, if only with a waterproof absorbent bottom.⠀
- For small animals up to 45 cm in the withers, a temporary stay without a carrier will be allowed – for healthy activity and/or sleep on the compartment shelf.⠀
- For large dogs from 45 cm in the trains, travel will also be allowed in SV and RIC carriages, provided that the compartment is fully purchased.⠀
- For large dogs, it will also be possible to travel in Intercity+ – provided that all seats, located in a single block in a row, are purchased.⠀
- Any service dogs of representatives of the Defense Forces will be able to travel free of charge in all types of carriages – muzzled and on a leash.
Ukrainian Railways also promised to provide alternative seats for passengers who will experience discomfort or an allergic reaction from being in the vicinity of an animal.
Recently, EcoPolitic told how beluga whales from Kharkiv dolphinarium "Nemo" became immigrants in Spain.