The RSPCA wants to see improvements to the way domestic animals are transported on the Spirit of Tasmania.
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RSPCA chief executive Dr Andrew Byrne said it was time domestic pets, including dogs and cats, were looked after in a less stressful, more comfortable space.
“This day and age, our cats and dogs are close members of the family,” Dr Byrne said.
“It is the 21st century and I think we can improve the way pets are transported on the Spirit.
“I think they could do a better job and make the animals more comfortable.
“When you are sitting in a warm cabin you think of your pets who are placed in metal cages next to the cars where it is quite breezy and noisy.
“I cannot think of the trip being anything but frightening for many pets.”
Dr Byrne said he believed passengers would be happy to pay more to have their pets accommodated in better facilities.
“Some people go to incredible lengths to ensure the best boarding kennels for their pets,” he said.
“I think the arrangements on the Spirit could be far more comfortable and they would be more widely used by people who travel across Bass Strait.
“Surely there are more luxury options on offer around the world.”
Dr Byrne said he had a dog and two cats he wanted to relocate from interstate but was reluctant to put them on the Spirit of Tasmania as conditions stand.
TT-Line has signed a contract worth more than $688 million with a European shipbuilder for the construction of two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
The new ships are expected to be ready to sail from 2021.
A TT-Line spokesman would not be drawn on the RSPCA’s call for better conditions for domestic animals.
However, he said the company would be releasing information about features of the new vessels between now and when they come on line.