A man had to be escorted off an MBTA bus after his pet rat was sitting on his shoulder, police said.
MBTA Transit Police said a police officer responded to a disturbance on an MBTA bus at Jackson Square around 5 p.m. Thursday. They said they found a 56-year-old man who had his pet rat sitting on his shoulder.
“Other riders felt unsafe and exited,” MBTA Transit Police tweeted.
The officer then explained the policy regarding animals on the MBTA. Animals off leash, out of carriers or taking a vehicle seat is not allowed. Small animals “should be kept in pet carriers.”
“Please keep the carrier on your lap if possible and away from vehicle doors, especially during rush hour,” the MBTA website states.
Non-service animals are also not allowed during peak hours, which is between 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Ultimately, police said, the man and his rat had to be escorted off the bus.