Stop allowing people to allow their pets to ride freely in the back of trucks

Dear Governor Rick Perry

Petition Against Dogs Riding Unrestrained in Pickup Trucks

I think it’s time we make dogs riding in the back of pickup trucks against the law as cruelty to animals so please help me pass this as a law in Texas and help save animals and humans lives. If you want to take your dog for a ride put it in the cab. Thank You.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 100,000 dogs are killed each year in accidents involving riding in truck beds. In addition, veterinarians see numerous cases of dogs being injured because they jumped out or were thrown from the bed of a pickup truck. If these dogs are lucky enough to still be alive, broken legs and joint injuries are among the most common types of damage that they sustain and often result in amputation. In many cases, dogs that do manage to survive the fall from the truck are hit and killed by other vehicles. Even if the dogs do not fall, the hot metal of the truck can burn dogs’ feet. Dogs riding in the hot sun without shade may suffer from heatstroke. We've all had to slam on our brakes while we're driving at some point; it's inevitable. Now imagine slamming on your brakes while your beloved dog is in the truck bed. When a dog jumps out it can potentially start a car accident, leading to deaths of innocent drivers. The swirling of the air currents in the bed of a pickup truck can cause dirt, debris and insects to become lodged in the dog's eyes, ears, and nose.

If you've ever seen a dog in the back of someones truck, bouncing from side to side, unrestrained and at risk of jumping or falling out into oncoming traffic, please sign. Too many dogs are dying from careless owners allowing their animals to be unrestrained. If you do not care enough about your dog to consider them family, then you should not own a dog, period.

At least nine states have laws requiring owners to kennel or tether dogs or other animals that ride in a vehicle's open areas, usually a truck bed. California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon, Washington, Florida, Rhode Island, and Hawaii have all passed laws restricting the transportation of dogs in the back of a pickup. Other states have bills pending. Fines range from $50 to $200.

If you must transport your pet in the back of a truck, there are some options available.

Even though The Humane Society of the US notes that they don't know of any brand of harness that is safe for the back of the truck, there are some safer options. It's best to have the dog in the cab with you, and if it's an extended cab, the dog should be restrained in the back and away from the windshield. For trucks; pet travel crates, pet safety belts, and pet car seats are the safest bets. The absolute safest method for transporting your pet in the back of a truck is in a secured crate in the center of your truck bed. At the very least, tether your dog with a secure and short leash to ensure safety from strangulation and death.

Therefore...We the undersigned ask that you use your leadership powers to propose a bill identical or similar to the following:

Transporting Dogs in Pickup Trucks I. No person driving a pickup truck shall transport any dog in the back of the vehicle on a public way, unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor, the dog is cross tethered to the vehicle, the dog is protected by a secured container or cage, or the dog is otherwise protected, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being thrown or from falling or jumping from the vehicle.

II. Notwithstanding paragraph I, this section shall not apply to the following:

(a) A dog being used by a farmer or farm employee while actually engaged in farming activities requiring the services of a dog; or

(b) A hunting dog being used at a hunting site or between hunting sites by a licensed hunter who is in possession of all applicable licenses and permits for the species being pursued during the legal season for such activity.

III. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation.