Northern Ireland dog lovers who protested over a Stena Line ban on pets in passenger areas on ferries have managed to have the decision reversed.
Stena Line announced on September 15, that all pets would be banned from all passenger areas on their Irish Sea route, meanwhile they were operating dog friendly cabins on an international route.
The ferry company’s policy that allows companion animals on board in secured pet carriers was due to end on October 31, and after that no dogs would be allowed on deck or in any passenger areas sailing between Northern Ireland and Cairnryan, Scotland.
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However the company has reacted to responses from thousands of members of the public. More than 17,000 signed an online petitions, and many more spoke out on social media and contacted the company directly to air their worries.
A spokesperson for Stena Line said: "We have listened carefully to input from our passengers and the concerns that people have raised, both in support of and in opposition to the proposal.
"In response, and in close liaison with our crews, Stena Line is happy to confirm that following a detailed review, it is now proposing to create a designated pet-friendly area on its two Superfast vessels operating on the Belfast – Cairnryan route.”
“The Pet Friendly Area (PFA), due to come into operation from 1 st Nov, will allow those people with dogs in carrier cases only- maximum size of carrier 82cmx52cmx52cm - to bring them onboard and make the crossing in this area alongside their pets.
"The designated area will be on Deck 8. Pets will not be permitted in other passenger areas including the Taste Restaurant, Stena Plus and the Hygge Lounge.
"As almost 90% of dogs that travel with Stena Line accompany vehicle drivers and remain in customer cars, it is hoped that the provision of a PFA will be viewed positively by the small proportion of customers who use pet carriers.”
“Customers are advised that the rule on pets remaining in their carriers during the crossing will be strictly enforced, and all pets must be pre-booked to travel at the time of booking.
"Larger pets unable to fit inside carry cases must be pre-booked into the onboard kennels or remain in customer vehicles during the crossing. The company is also currently looking at options to improve the provision of onboard kennels and will provide more details in due course.”
A spokeswoman for DogLovers NI, said: "We are delighted that Stena Line UKIE has designated an area onboard for us to remain with our dogs in pet carriers. It is a huge relief to many .
"We also understand Stena is continuing to look at improving facilities for bigger dogs and we hope this will cumulate in a pet friendly lounge. This is wonderful news but as a dog lover commented, 'Everyone who travels on ferries with their dog, please ensure that they are kept in their carrier and that they are well behaved. Give them no room to complain that their policy isn't working.' This change of heart and change of policy is precious . Let’s treat it with care."
Stena also plans to implement vastly improved kennelling for larger dogs whose owners do not want to leave them in cars during the journey.
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