How not to carry your dog when you’re on a bicycle
Let me preface this article by saying that there’s plenty of people who absolutely love their pets to bits in Taiwan. These people treat their pets the same as any other person who loves their animals would and ensure that their companions lead happy and fruitful lives.
Like everywhere else though, there’s also those that appear to not give a crap about the welfare of those dependent on them.
In Taiwan the major difference to me seems to be the complete blatantness of it all.
Yesterday I shared with you an alternative approach to taking your dog with you whilst you cycle. Sure it’s not exactly the securest or safest way to cycle with your dog but it was nothing compared to the total discard of animal welfare this had;
What you’re looking at there are some idiots riding a tandem bicycle on a hugely busy bicycle path with their dog running tethered to a leash!
I followed this couple for a short time and observed so many near disasters it wasn’t funny.
Like I said most people I’ve encountered in Taiwan are positvely passionate about their pets, this couple on the otherhand couldn’t care less. How could you not be aware of the huge danger you’re not only putting your pet in but other riders as well!
If you’re going to carry your dog with you on a bicycle please do it properly with a dog trailer, chair or basket if your dog is small enough. Tethering your dog on a leash like that in the middle of a busy bicycle path is madness and should not be attempted by anyone.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:22 pm Erica(Quote)
this also happens in Australia, Europe and USA. not just in TW.
August 10th, 2010 at 4:08 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Yeah no doubt it does. Still you’d be hard pressed not getting death stares attempting to tow your dog like that on any of Australia’s well populated bike paths.
I’d have had a bit of a go at them if my Chinese was up to it. Nothing too confrontational, just asking them aren’t they worried someone will run over their dog or possibly drag the leash.