Transportation of Dogs in Open Vehicles

Position:

"The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is opposed to the unsecured transportation of dogs in open vehicles such as pick-up or flatbed trucks."

Background:

Dogs are sometimes transported unsecured in the box of a pick-up truck or on the bed of a flatbed truck, placing them at increased risk of injury. Dogs that ride in the open back of pick-up trucks or other open motor vehicles are in jeopardy of losing their balance even with steady driving, and especially in the event of sudden stops and turns. Injuries may occur as a result of falling or of being thrown from the vehicle (1). Motorists or pedestrians may be injured in ensuing traffic accidents.

Some jurisdictions have enacted legislation prohibiting the transportation of dogs outside the passenger compartment of a vehicle unless the animal(s) is secured in a kennel or other prescribed animal restraint device (2, 3, 4). Dog-owners are strongly encouraged to secure their animals during transportation regardless of whether the animal is transported inside or outside of the passenger compartment.

References:

1) Houston DM, et al. Injuries suffered by dogs from riding in the back of open pickup trucks: A retrospective review of 70 cases. Can Vet J 1995; 36, 510-511.

2)  New Brunswick Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act Chapter S-12 1997, s.1.

3) Regulations to Manitoba Animal Care Act (CCSM c. A84) 1998, 5 (e).

4) Health of Animals Regulations, Part XII,C.R.C., c 296
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/H-3.3/C.R.C.-c.296/131364.html [last accessed May 24, 2005] 

(Adopted July 2005)