DEAR HARRIETTE: I take public transportation on a regular basis, and there is a growing trend where people bring their dogs on the subway. In the beginning, there were two ways people would travel with their dogs: They would put them in a small bag or in a travel cage. Nowadays, people bring dogs of all sizes on the subway. I find it unsanitary to have a dog sit in a seat or lay on the subway floor. I would like to see this alarming trend come to an end sooner than later. I do not mind people bringing their pets on the subway as long as they are properly contained. Is there someone I can write to or call about this unwanted trend? -- Control Your Dog, Bronx, New York
DEAR CONTROL YOUR DOG: As one who is allergic to dogs and cats, I totally understand your dismay at having them riding on a subway car near you without being properly contained. The guidelines of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority clearly state that pets can travel, as you point out, if they are in a bag or cage. They are not allowed to travel on a subway unless they are contained. That includes large dogs. There actually are large, wheeled containers for bigger dogs. Only service dogs are allowed on public transportation unenclosed.
That said, if you discover offenders to the laws, call 511 to report what you witnessed. If passengers remain attentive about such reporting, there may be a chance that offenders will follow directions.