One of the simplest joys in life could soon become illegal in Florida, as a bill introduced in the state’s legislature would make it illegal for a dog to stick its head out the window of a moving car.
The bill is intended to protect animals and was filed by state Sen. Lauren Book (D-Broward). It would make it illegal for pet owners to have their dogs in their lap while driving and in a vehicle being towed and ban the declawing of cats.
Other things the bill would look to address for animal safety include transporting dogs in the trunk or enclosed cargo space of a car, as well as “on the running board, fender, hood, or roof of a motor vehicle.”
The bill would also require dogs inside a motor vehicle traveling on a public roadway to be located in a secured crate, restrained via a seat belt or harness, or under the physical control of a non-driver in the car.
If a dog is in a truck bed of a pickup, it must be in a crate that is well-ventilated, allows them proper footing, safety from inclement weather, and shade from direct sunlight.
The bill says that any violators of the regulations would face moving violation citations, however, they would not count as criminal traffic infractions.
As for cat owners, the bill would make it illegal for declawing the animals unless medically necessary. Those who move forward with declawing their pets would be fined up to $1,000.
A provision in the bill would also make it illegal for offenders to own animals as a condition of probation.
For animal protections outside of pet owners, the bill would look to tackle cosmetic testing on animals.
The bill outlines several bans for cosmetic tests for products intended to be “rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on” or are meant for humans and not animals. This includes beauty treatments, cleansers, items that alter a person’s appearance or items that “promote attractiveness.”
Any manufacturers violating the bill would face a $5,000 penalty and additional penalties of $1,000 for each day of continued violation.
The bill is yet to pass in the Florida Senate and would need to pass both legislatures before Gov. Ron DeSantis could sign it into law, taking effect as early as Oct. 1, giving dogs one more summer of rolled-down window bliss.
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