How often do you see a dog hangin out in the back of a pickup cruising around? Maybe with its paws on the side of the bed and face in the wind?

According to our friends at Dallas Animal Services an estimated 100,000 dogs die each year as a result of falling or jumping from pickup trucks. Dogs who are riding in the backs of pickup trucks may look like they’re having fun, but they are definitely not safe! When you transport your dog in the open bed of your pickup, you endanger both your dog and other motorists. If your truck hits a bump, or if you step on the brakes suddenly or swerve to avoid an obstacle, your dog can easily be thrown from the truck bed and onto the road. Chances are, this will injure or kill your dog. But even if it doesn’t, being struck by another vehicle probably will. And other drivers may cause an accident by swerving to avoid hitting your dog. That’s why transporting a dog in the open bed of any moving pickup, unless it is in a pet carrier secured to the vehicle, is a violation of Dallas City Code.

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Pickup Trucks are not the only unlawful hazard for dogs. Another little known Texas State Health and Safety Statute is § 821.077. Unlawful Restraint of Dog. In part this Statute states: An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement: between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or in the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which: the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction

If you see an animal unlawfully restrained please contact your local Animal Control Officials. Speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.