It has been estimated that over 100,000 dogs die each year from riding in truck beds or wagons pulled by trucks. As of now, only California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island have laws banning the transport of dogs in truck beds. There are some states that have laws relating to how dogs are secured in the truck beds, but North Carolina is not one of these states-it only has a law stating animals may not be conveyed in a cruel manner, without specifications on what would conditions would fall into the category of cruel. 

Here in Charlotte, there is an ordinance stating that animals being transported in truck beds need to secured, but there are no specifications. This means that someone can have their dog on a single tether without a specified length. While this prevents dogs from jumping out and running loose, there is still a chance they can strangle themselves depending on the length of the tether. 

If dogs are going to be allowed to travel in truck beds, there needs to be regulations in place to ensure safety: Dogs riding in truck beds need to be cross-tied/double-tethered if they are not in a crate or cage.

Please sign this petition if you would like to see stricter regulations on the transport of dogs in truck beds and contribute to their safety. Thank you for your support!