Farmers are known for letting their dogs jump out and in of the backs of their utes, but that’s not a practical thing when you’re not driving in a paddock.
- You’ll be able to have a dog within the tray or tub of your ute in some states
- There are laws concerning the surface the dog is on, and the way it’s restrained
- You will need to tether your dog in the event that they are behind your ute
As such, it is sensible that if you wish to travel along with your pup behind your ute, you will have to make sure the animal is restrained, and in some parts of Australia, you aren’t allowed to have the dog within the tray or tub of your vehicle in any respect!
In case you do the flawed thing and are caught for it, it’s greater than only a slap on the wrist, and that’s since the laws aren’t considered road rules – they fall under animal protection laws – meaning you might face fines in excess of $9000, and you could possibly face imprisonment for as much as six months, depending on the jurisdiction.
Here’s a rundown:
NSW
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (section 7) states that “an individual must not carry or convey a dog (aside from a dog getting used to work livestock), on the open back of a moving vehicle on a public street unless the dog is restrained or enclosed in such a way as to stop the dog falling from the vehicle”.
Fines as much as $5500 and/or six months imprisonment apply.
ACT
Section 15A of the Animal Welfare Act 1992 – you can not carry a dog in or on a moving vehicle if the dog isn’t restrained or enclosed in a way that stops the dog from jumping or falling.
Working dogs are exempt. Fines as much as $3200 apply.
Victoria
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 Section 15A states that for transporting a dog in a vehicle with a tray (a ute, or cab-chassis vehicle) or in a trailer, the dog have to be secured in order to stop it from “falling off or out of, or from, or moving off, the tray or trailer (because the case requires); or being injured from the movement of the motorcar or trailer”.
The foundations don’t apply to stock dogs. Penalties as much as $1923 may apply.
You furthermore may can’t secure a dog on a metal tray of a vehicle or trailer when outside temperatures are at or above 28°C without the dog getting access to an area of insulating material to guard them from the recent surface.
In case you’re found to be driving around without giving your dog this type of protection, you’re a tremendous of as much as $2884.
Queensland
The state not too way back passed the Animal Care and Protection Amendment Bill 2022 which, as in other states, allows for farm dogs to stay unrestrained.
Nonetheless, it states: “A driver must not transport a dog on the tray of a vehicle or on a trailer unless the dog is secured in such a way as to stop it from — (a) falling off, or out of, the tray or trailer; or (b) moving off the tray or trailer; or (c) being injured by the movement of the vehicle or trailer.”
In case you do the flawed thing by your furry friend, the utmost penalty imposed may very well be 60 units, or a whopping $9288 tremendous.
NT
Within the Northern Territory, the principles are more strict than in other parts of the country, though there’s leniency for dogs working stock.
Section 34 of the Animal Protection Act 2018 (NT) states: “An individual commits an offence if: (a) the person transports a dog by a motorcar or trailer on a public street; and the person transports a dog by a motorcar or trailer on a public street; and (b) the dog isn’t inside a passenger compartment of the motorcar; and (c) the dog isn’t secured in a way that stops it from being injured by falling from the motorcar or trailer.”
The utmost tremendous is 50 penalty units, which works out to $8800.
South Australia
In accordance with Section 45 of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, an individual must effectively secure a dog by: “(i) by placing it in a cage, vehicle or other object or structure; or (ii) by tethering it to a set object via a series, cord or leash that doesn’t exceed 2 metres in length”.
There are exemptions – droving dogs, stock dogs and assistance dogs may fall outside of those rules.
Western Australia
Section 6.2 of the Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Dogs in Western Australia 2020 states that folks driving with a dog must be sure that, if the dog is to be transported on the open back of a moving vehicle on a road, it have to be: (a) provided adequate shelter during extremes of weather; and (b) suitably secured by enclosing the dog in a transport crate fixed to the vehicle; or (c) restrained by a tether where; (i) the length of the tether allows the dog some movement, including to face and lie down, but doesn’t allow the dog to leap or fall off the tray; and (ii) the tether isn’t attached to a choke chain or other device which can tighten across the neck.
Moreover, this statute states that a dog is probably not transported within the boot of a sedan, and that transport crates have to be escape-proof and offer enough room for the dog to take a seat and stand, plus also, if fixed to a vehicle, be so “securely able which provides adequate air flow and quality and minimises exposure to exhaust fumes and mud.”
Tasmania
It doesn’t appear there are any specific rules around the necessities for tethering a dog or securing a dog within the cabin or tray of a vehicle, nonetheless it’s stated within the Dog Control Act 2000 Section 16 (3): “The owner or person in command of a dog must restrict the dog sufficiently while it’s in or on a vehicle in order that it’s unable to depart the vehicle or attack any person or animal outside the vehicle.”
Penalties apply – as much as $905 fines are applicable.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant roads authority in your state or territory.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
