Dogs in Pick-Up Trucks

Dogs can easily fall, jump, or be thrown from the bed of a pick-up truck. Veterinarians and police officers report that countless dogs have been injured or killed after they were launched from pick-up trucks. They commonly suffer from multiple fractures, abdominal and thoracic trauma, and severe cuts and bruises. In many cases, dogs who manage to survive the fall are hit and killed by other vehicles. Tethering dogs to the trucks can also pose a danger because dogs who jump or fall may be hanged or dragged alongside the vehicle, causing terrible abrasions.

A survey conducted in 1988 by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 141 veterinarians in the state had treated 592 dogs who had been ejected from truckbeds in that year alone.

Even if dogs do not fall, the hot metal of the truck can burn dogs' feet. Dogs riding in the hot sun without shade may suffer from heatstroke. Several studies have indicated that covering the bed of the pick-up with a tarpaulin or shell may expose dogs or other passengers to potentially lethal carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, dogs can get corneal ulcers when bugs, sand, debris, or other objects are blown into their eyes when trucks travel at high speeds.

The safest way for an animal to travel is inside the truck with his or her guardian. If that is not possible, leave the dog at home. In fact, it is illegal to drive with a dog in the bed of a pick-up in some cities, counties, and states. For example, Florida, New Hampshire, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Oregon have laws prohibiting and/or restricting animals in cargo beds of trucks. Check with your local animal control to find out what the ordinance is in your area.

Whenever possible, inform people about the dangers of driving with dogs in the back of pick-ups. You can also write a letter to the editor of your local paper, encouraging pick-up owners to keep their dogs up front with them. For tips on writing effective letters, see "The PETA Guide to Letter-Writing."