Many equestrians have a canine companion as well as their horses, and their faithful pets accompany them to the yard and in the lorry when travelling to events. However, if you drive with your dog in the car or horsebox, did you know you are liable to incurring a hefty fine if they are not secured with a harness?
Under Rule 57 of The Highway Code, drivers should make sure dogs are suitably restrained in a vehicle so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves, or others, if the car stops suddenly. Suggested restraints include a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.
Letting pets travel loose could lead to penalties, including fines of up to £5,000 and penalty points, as well as serious safety issues.
“Most dog owners would never deliberately put their pet at risk, but travelling with a dog loose in the car is one of those everyday habits that can feel harmless until something goes wrong,” said Darren Beale, CEO of dog food company Years.
“A sudden brake, a sharp turn, an unexpected noise or another dog outside the window can be enough to make a loose dog move suddenly. That can distract the driver, injure the dog, or put passengers at risk too.”
According to Darren, the biggest mistake is assuming a calm dog does not need to be restrained.
A dog sitting loose on the back seat, standing in the footwell, sitting on a passenger’s lap, climbing between seats or leaning out of the window can all create safety issues.
“A dog does not need to be badly behaved to become a distraction,” he continued. “Even a well-trained dog can lose balance, become startled, try to move towards the driver, or be thrown forward if the car stops suddenly.
“The restraint is not a punishment. It is there to protect the dog in exactly the same way a seat belt protects a person.”
Darren recommends choosing a restraint based on the dog’s size, temperament and the type of vehicle. Safe options include a crash-tested dog harness and seat belt attachment, a secure crate or carrier, or a dog guard or boot barrier.
“The right option depends on the dog. Some dogs feel calmer in a crate because it gives them a clear, predictable space,” he added. “Others are happier in a well-fitted harness on the back seat. What matters is that the dog is secure, comfortable and unable to interfere with the driver.”
Darren warned owners to avoid letting a dog sit on the driver’s lap, allowing them to move freely between seats, letting a dog lean out of an open window and travelling with a dog loose in the front passenger seat.
He also urged owners not to use a collar attachment instead of a harness, leaving leads or straps loose enough to tangle, feeding a large meal just before travel and assuming short journeys do not need restraint.
Lead image by Shutterstock
