Dogs riding on the back of trucks is bad, right?

Question

Is it humane/legal/acceptable to put a dog on the back of a truck? I just saw a truck with a dog on the back, but for the first time, the dog was in a cage. Any other time I've seen a dog on the back of the truck, he was running around loose. I don't even like dogs, but I hate seeing them sliding on the back of trucks. Isn't that dangerous? I'm pretty sure that's how most of the dead dogs on the freeways got there.

Answer 1

This is what the Humane Society of the United States says on the subject:

"Dogs who are riding in the backs of pickup trucks may look like they're having fun. Noses testing the wind and ears flopping, they seem to be enjoying the trip—and they get to go places with their owners. But they're 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. Also, other drivers may cause an accident by swerving to avoid hitting your dog.

If you must transport your dog in a pickup truck, put him in the cab with you in a travel crate or other pet carrier. If you have an extended cab, have your pet ride in the back portion of the cab where he will be away from the front windshield. It is not safe for your dog to ride in the bed of a pickup even with a restraint. The HSUS knows of no brand of harness that has been proven safe in this situation. In fact, there have been cases where dogs restrained by leashes or harnesses have been strangled or dragged after being thrown from a truck bed."
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/why_dogs_and_pickup_trucks_dont_mix.html

Answer 2

I think it's very dangerous. Not only is it possible for the dog to jump out of the truck, whether stopped or moving, what if the person is in a wreck? Then the dog will be in great danger of injury. If the dog is in a crate that is secured in the back of the truck, that is fine; however, the dog should not be running around loose in the back of the truck. That is just asking for an accident.
I remember when I was younger I saw a Dalmation jump out of the back of the owner's truck and I have always wondered if the owner got the dog back or if the dog was alright- it's been stuck in my mind for over 20 years.

Answer 3

Dog In Truck Bed

Answer 4

This is a human example.
I was driving West on I10. A pickup coming East hit the guard rail.
A young man in the back of the pickup was thrown into the West Bound traffic.

End of story.

Answer 5

Depending on where you live it is illegal in a couple of the provinces. It is not only dangerous for a dog to be just sliding around int he bed of a pick up, they can get particles of dirt, rock, gravel, salt, even glass flung up from the road and stuck in thier eyes. I can also see it as being a distraction to the driver as well.

Answer 6

yes it is dangerous dont know if it is humane but the dog could easily jump off the truck and be seriosly injured there could at least be someone back there with the dog to keep it from jumping off

Answer 7

it falls under animal protection laws. endangerment to the dog.protection by proper size of containment and tied down of said container is acceptable.also protection from the elements and weather. animal friends

Answer 8

My city doesn't allow dogs to ride bikes...NOW they are making it illegal to ride trucks???!
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Answer 9

When I see that happen I call the police.