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We all love taking our dogs for a drive – whether it’s a quick trip to the park or a longer adventure with the windows down. But before you hit the road, there’s one crucial thing to consider: is your dog safe in the back of the car?
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW), you may be breaking the law if your dog isn’t securely restrained or enclosed while riding in a moving vehicle. This law, which was designed with your pet’s safety in mind, aims to prevent the tragic (and very avoidable) accidents that can happen when a dog falls out of a moving vehicle, or suffers injury during transport.
The rule
The Act provides that dogs must be restrained or enclosed in the back of a moving vehicle so that there is no risk that they might fall from the vehicle.
What about working dogs?
For working dogs, such as those used to move livestock, the usual rules may not apply. These dogs are often transported in different ways depending on their job, and the law provides an exemption for them.
What happens if you do not follow this law?
The maximum penalty for breaching this law is a fine of $5,500 and/or six months imprisonment.
If the way in which your dog is carried in your vehicle results in an injury, you could face a fine of up to $27,500.
These laws not only protect the welfare of animals but also promote road safety. Ensuring that your dog is securely restrained is a simple but vital step in preventing accidents and protecting both your pet and other road users.
It’s easy to think that your dog is perfectly safe riding shotgun or lying comfortably in the back of your ute. But no matter how well you think your dog is behaving, there is always a risk. A sudden stop, a sharp turn, or an unexpected distraction could lead to an accident, putting your dog in harm’s
way.
For legal advice or assistance with this or any other matter, contact Anderson Boemi Lawyers on 9653 9466.