Pet owners planning a post lockdown trip are being urged to follow the necessary rules when carrying their dog in a car or face a huge fine.
The warning comes to many first time dog owners who will be taking their first steps when it comes to car journeys following the easing of lockdown.
The one mistake many pets owners make is placing their dog in the front seat of the vehicle.
If there is no other choice than to have your dog ride shotgun alongside you then it’s imperative to disable the passenger side airbag.
Failing to do so could result in serious injury, or even death, to your pet should you be unfortunate enough to have a crash.
Disabling the front passenger airbag will differ according to the vehicle manufacturer and model.
But to turn it off, you’ll typically find the switch either in the glove box or located on the left hand side of the passenger dashboard.
According to Mark Tongue of Select Car Leasing, this means dogs riding front seat should be banned if no turn off mechanism on the vehicle exists.
He said: “ Most dog owners will know they need to keep their pet suitably restrained when they’re in a car, as stipulated by the Highway Code.
“But many owners are left confused as to whether dogs are allowed in the front seat or not. It’s something of a grey area.
“Whilst not particularly recommended - dogs should generally be in the backseat or boot for their own safety - there are plenty of owners who do let their dogs ride shotgun, particularly if they own a sports car that only has two seats in the first place.
“You should only ever have your dog by your side while driving if you’re able, and know how, to disable the front passenger airbag, as some vehicles don’t actually have an override function.
“Failing to disable the airbag could result in catastrophic injuries for a dog. An airbag is designed to provide protection for a human, not a canine, and the cushioning is simply in the wrong place.
“When an airbag deploys it does so with so much force it could even crush a dog cage.
“We’ve also heard of cases where a dog has actually been catapulted towards the driver as a result of the airbag going off, resulting in serious injuries for both the dog and the motorist.
“We’d urge all dog owners, particularly those with a lockdown pooch and new to dog ownership, to make themselves aware of the dangers.”
Not securing pets properly into a car could also see you slapped with a fine minimum of £2500.
Rule 57 of the Highway Code, states that ‘when in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly’.
Mark added: “Make no mistake - if you don’t have your dog properly restrained, and it’s causing distraction, you could be prosecuted by the law.
“The most common charge in such circumstances is one of driving without due care and attention which is enough, in some cases, to warrant a disqualification, between 3 and 9 points on your licence, or even a fine of up to £2,500.
“Don’t take the risk. Make sure both you and your pooch are buckled up properly.”
