Pets By Penny

This week I received a letter asking me why some communities ban dogs riding in pick-up trucks. Since this is a very controversial subject, I decided to post it and try to discuss both sides of this issue. Here’s my answer.

From your letter, I am guessing you come from a rural area and grew up taking your dog(s) with you in the back of a pick-up. Farmers and ranchers often find legal restrictions on this practice to be very inconvenient. Some communities allow exceptions for rural areas, while others seem to feel there is no reason to make allowances.

First, let’s discuss the dangers others drivers face when a dog is allowed to ride this way. These dangers are the main reason communities feel strongly enough to pass laws against such a long-standing practice.

The traffic in most cities and towns moves faster than it did even a few years ago, and the number of cars on the road has increased dramatically. This means more accidents, quick maneuvers, and unexpected stops during routine driving. A dog launched out of the bed of a pick-up poses a danger to other drivers and their passengers.

Besides the obvious danger posed by a dog dropping through a windshield, there is the risk of the unrestrained dog hitting a motorcyclist or pedestrian. Most drivers instinctively take evasive action when faced with hitting a live animal or person. So even if you don’t worry about the dog’s life, the danger that causes laws to be passed is the danger to other people.

On the other side of the argument, many people love animals and do not want them placed in dangerous situations. Just like children, pets are at the mercy of the people who care for them. A dog can’t hold on or protect himself while riding in an open pick-up bed. He is subjected to wind in his eyes, which can blind him permanently. He may also be injured. or even killed, by road debris. Rocks that hit your vehicle with enough force to crack a windshield also tear through eyes, skin, and bones.

Other possible hazards include heatstroke or hypothermia from exposure to the extreme heat and cold, dehydration from long trips without shade and water, and burns from hot metal surfaces in the bed of the pick-up. In addition, these rides may cause joint, spine, and muscle injuries from sliding and bouncing around. Even with rubber bed liners, the constant tension of balancing and attempting to stabilize himself can cause injuries.

You also need to be aware that an injured animal may become aggressive, even to his owner, and he may injure someone else if there is an accident. An injured dog will also run away in fear and may die painfully, without treatment. If he is found and can’t be controlled, or injures someone, an animal control officer or police officer may be forced to shoot the animal to protect everyone involved. Many people spend a great deal of time and money on their dogs and losing a dog this way is avoidable by placing them inside the cab or in a carrier that is properly fastened down.

Next, there is the common sense factor. If you cause an accident because your dog falls out, jumps out, or is thrown out of any vehicle (this includes open windows), most communities hold you responsible, even if there is no law prohibiting dogs riding in open pick-up beds or hanging out of windows. They reason that responsible drivers should know when they are endangering others by their actions.

Recently, I’ve read articles discussing laws that make exceptions for rural areas where dogs are used for herding and ranch work. These communities know farm and ranch work often requires a pick-up truck, and the vehicle does double duty for work and family outings. The key to making legal exceptions work is to use them as they are meant to be used.

Don’t load the dogs in the truck and take off for town just because you own a farm, and the law says you can transport your working dogs in the back of your truck. If you cause a major incident on the freeway in the city, the law will undoubtedly be changed at the earliest possible opportunity, and other communities who may be considering exceptions won’t take the chance.

Hopefully, this explains several sides of this argument and helps you understand the problem. It may not change your mind about what you think is right, but we all have to comply with laws we don’t always like. In addition, everyone has to adapt to changes in society and living conditions. This is one of those things that may not always be convenient, but the reasons behind the laws make sense for most communities.