If you must travel with your dog on your ute, make sure that you are doing it safely.
Your dog should be safe, secure and comfortable while in transit – and you are legally required to do so.
Unfortunately too many dogs are injured or worse each year whilst travelling in the back of utes – because they haven’t been properly restrained. After recent incidents in the Brisbane North area, I’d like to give you a few quick tips on how to do so.
To avoid serious risk of injury to your dog – your dog should be caged or tethered at all times when travelling in the back of utes, tray backs or trucks.
Tether properly to the cabin with a lead that is attached to a secure neck collar or properly fitted dog harness – secure to a point in the middle of the cabin – as seen in photos.
Ensure the lead is the right length – not long enough for the dog to reach the ute’s sides, but long enough to allow the dog to get comfortable. Ensuring that the lead swivels at both ends to prevent entanglement. Do NOT use choker chains or choker collars.
You are legally required to ensure your dog is safe, secure and comfortable whilst in transit, if you don’t you may be issued with a fine.
Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, you are obliged to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being at all times.
You can be fined up to $30,000 or jailed for a year if you don’t.
Under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulation 1999, it is illegal to travel with an unsecured load on the back of your vehicle. An unrestrained dog can be considered ‘an unsecured load’. You can be fined up to $2000 if you don’t comply.
