This controversial act with dog on highway sparks debate online

When it comes to our furry friends, we are a passionate bunch. We love our pets and often go to great lengths to ensure their safety and happiness.

However, a recent incident has sparked a heated debate among pet owners and animal lovers, highlighting the divide in opinions on what constitutes appropriate dog transportation.



A driver was recently spotted on a Sydney highway travelling at 110km/h with their pet dog in the ute tray, exposed to the high-speed winds and the risks of the open road.

A fellow motorist captured the image of the dog, its head peeking over the edge of the tray, and shared it on social media, sparking a conversation.


Screenshot 2024-07-16 at 8.56.04 AM.png
A motorist captured the image of a dog in the ute tray. Credit: Reddit


The image quickly became a flashpoint for controversy, with some condemning the act as dangerous and irresponsible.

The term 'horrific' has been used by some to describe this method of transporting a beloved pet, suggesting that it shows a lack of care and consideration for the animal's well-being.

On the other hand, some defended the practice, claiming that it is perfectly safe.



This isn't the first time such a method of pet transportation has come under scrutiny.

Incidents in the Gold Coast and Townsville have previously made headlines, with dogs being tied to the backs of utes without lids, relying solely on their leads to keep them from tumbling onto the road.

These cases have been met with labels such as 'irresponsible'.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), a leading authority on animal welfare, has clear guidelines on this matter.

In New South Wales, for example, it is mandated that dogs cannot be transported on a ute tray or in the open back of a vehicle unless they are 'sufficiently restrained or enclosed in such a manner as to prevent the dog from falling’.



‘RSPCA NSW encourages dog owners to consider safely restraining their dogs within the cabin of their vehicle with a safety-belt restraint, or within an enclosure or crate as this is generally safer, especially in the case of an accident or sudden braking,’ a spokesperson said.

In the case of the Sydney sighting, it is unclear whether the dog was tethered, but the raised ute tray suggested that the dog was confined to the space, potentially reducing the likelihood of injury or escape.
Key Takeaways
  • A driver was criticised for travelling at high speed with their pet dog in the ute tray, leading to a divide in opinions among Australians.
  • Transporting dogs in ute trays has been a subject of debate, with instances of dogs being tied to the back causing public uproar.
  • RSPCA NSW advises that dogs on ute trays must be restrained or enclosed to prevent them from falling off and that in-vehicle restraints or enclosures are generally safer.
  • It's required in NSW that the restraint is only long enough for the dog to stand and lie down, reducing the risk of injury or falling from the vehicle.
What are your thoughts on this divisive issue? Have you ever transported your pet in a similar manner, or do you have alternative methods that you believe are safer? Share your stories and opinions with us in the comments below!
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
No doubt the person who spotted this is not a dog person. Dogs LOVE the wind whistling through their faces. Have a close look at this dog - does he look distressed? Travelling in the back of this ute is quite safe - presuming he is fastened by a lead and they can lie down out of the wind. Hoping this person had a passenger to take this pic .....
 
Some people are such busy bodies.
The dog looks happy and appears to be well restrained.
We have our big dog on the back seat only by necessity. I'd rather not have the hot stinky slobberer that close to me, but hey that's what it is.
 
What happen to the days when your dog sat in the back of the ute with his head over the side. Being a happy pooch.. now you want him to sit on the back seat nice after a day at the beach or creek
I never owned a Ute so yeah my dogs sat on a towel on the back seat with their heads out the window and their ears and jowels flapping in the breeze. And loving it so funny to watch👍
 
I don’t know much about dogs (I’m not a dog hater), but I cringe when I see a dog roaming around the back of a Ute. If the driver has even a slight mishap on the road, I have visions of the dog possibly flying out of the tray. Putting not just the dog, but innocent people in potential danger is something that bothers me. But that’s just me.
 
I don’t know much about dogs (I’m not a dog hater), but I cringe when I see a dog roaming around the back of a Ute. If the driver has even a slight mishap on the road, I have visions of the dog possibly flying out of the tray. Putting not just the dog, but innocent people in potential danger is something that bothers me. But that’s just me.
It’s actually the law to have your dog restrained in a Ute and if you don’t the fine is really hefty.👍 Also it’s illegal to have your dog on your lap unrestrained.😊
 
i witnessed an idiot with a dog and it had its head out their window. OH! i wished a cop was nearby.
If it’s restrained what’s the problem here there’s no law to say it can’t but it’s not to be encouraged it’s no different to people sticking their elbows out of the window😊
 
  • Like
Reactions: what and Jo Piper3
Some people are such busy bodies.
The dog looks happy and appears to be well restrained.
We have our big dog on the back seat only by necessity. I'd rather not have the hot stinky slobberer that close to me, but hey that's what it is.
Oh no they are not! just people that care about animals and their safety .How would you like to be tossed about in the back of a ute at a high speed? Why do you have a dog if you consider it to be stinky and slobbery? try washing the poor thing
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM and Littleboy8
If the dog is chained to the tray is OK. Most responsible people make sure their dog is tied to the Ute tray, but some idiots think it is OK to let their dog run around in the tray.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM and Littleboy8
If it’s restrained what’s the problem here there’s no law to say it can’t but it’s not to be encouraged it’s no different to people sticking their elbows out of the window😊
It said out their window, not a window. Restrained or not a dog cannot have it's head out the drivers window. The person must have been an absolute idiot
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×