Dogs should be secured when in the back of utes.ITIScommon to see unrestrained dogs on the back of utes in the country but owners don’t always understand that they are breaking the law.
The Department of Primary Industries is reminding people it is illegal to allow dogs to travel unrestrained on the back of utes, similar vehicles or on trailers.
DPI veterinary officer Jeff Cave said unrestrained dogs travelling on utes were at huge risk of injury to themselves.
“Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act requires dogs travelling in the back of utilities, trailers or open tray trucks must be tethered or caged in a manner that prevents them from falling from the vehicle, the only exemption being when dogs are actively moving stock,” Dr Cave said.
“A common cause of serious injury or death of rural dogs occurs when the dog jumps or falls from the back of a moving vehicle or trailer.
“The tether should be only long enough to permit the dog to stand, lie down and move about but not so long that it could potentially let the dog fall off the vehicle and be dragged or strangled. Tethering dogs should always be regarded as a temporary, short term method of restraint.”
“Owners are reminded that tethering dogs may expose them to increased stress, particularly on very hot or cold days, and adequate shelter needs to be provided to protect tethered dogs from climate extremes.
For further advice, contact the RSPCA, a veterinarian or DPI veterinary or animal health officer
