A new bill in Florida could lead to a ban on dogs sticking their head out of car windows.
According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, the bill, which was introduced by state Sen. Lauren Book last week, would prohibit a dog from extending “any other body part outside a motor vehicle window while the person is operating the motor vehicle on a public roadway,” and forbid drivers “from holding a dog in his or her lap.”
A dog would either need to ride inside a crate while the vehicle is in motion, secured with a harness or seat belt, or remain under the supervision of someone other than the driver.
Sen. Book argues the bill is primarily focused on the welfare of dogs by protecting them against the outdoor elements and preventing them from escaping.
Others, such as Brittany Livingston of Florida Voices for Animals, believe this bill will address one potential aspect pertaining to distracted drivers. “Having a companion animal in your lap or with their head out the window, now you’re having to focus on that, you know, what’s happening in front of you as opposed to paying attention to your actual surroundings and being the safest driver that you possibly can be,” Livingston said.
If the bill passes, drivers who violate this law will be issued a moving violation.
The bill also proposes a ban on cosmetic testing using animals on products intended for humans, as well as prohibiting the declawing of cats, which carries a $1,000 fine and possible loss of ownership.
