Pets need to be restrained while riding in cars

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Source: Dr. William Fortney, 785-532-4605, wfortney@k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/fortneybio.html
News release prepared by: Jennifer Newberry, 785-532-6415

Thursday, August 4, 2005

PETS NEED TO BE RESTRAINED WHILE RIDING IN CARS

MANHATTAN -- Grab your keys. Head to the car. Your dog's right behind you, eager for a dose of fresh air. Driving down the street, your family pet hangs his head out the window, enjoying the sunshine. Does anyone see a problem?

Often, pets are forgotten when it comes to buckling up. However, a Kansas State University veterinarian says dogs and cats are just as susceptible to injury as young children when riding in a car.

Dr. William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine/pathobiology, said pets need to be restrained when traveling inside a vehicle. If a pet leans out the window and the driver happens to swerve, the animal could be thrown out . The animal may get eye injuries from bugs, weeds, seeds or rocks.

The dangers of riding in the back of a truck are just as high. If an animal is standing up when the driver stops or swerves, it could fall out. Besides hitting the ground and potentially receiving broken bones, bruises, scrapes and skin removed, animals also can be run over.

Dangers to the owners themselves are also present. Animals that are loose inside or outside the vehicle can be distracting, Fortney said. There's a chance the animal could get underfoot, causing the driver to be unable to brake.

"Anytime you have a distraction, you increase the risk of being in an accident," he said.

Compared to the risk, the options of securing pets are relatively inexpensive, Fortney said. Choices include pet carriers, which can be secured with car seat belts, and seat belts made especially for securing pets. Restraining devices are also made for use in the truck bed.

Some states have laws requiring pets in the back of trucks to be tethered, although Kansas is not one of them. A lawmaker in Pennsylvania is even backing a potential law requiring dog seat belts inside the car, based on the recommendation of an 11-year-old. Fortney said the law is a good idea -- he said everything possible should be done to decrease injuries to pets.

However, he said he's not sure if the law would be adopted -- some may not be for it due to inconvenience or cost.

"Even if it didn't pass, it could make owners aware that there are options out there," Fortney said. "Just because a bill doesn't pass doesn't mean there isn't some benefit."