Proposed Florida bill bans dogs from sticking their heads out of car windows

It’s the time of year that state lawmakers are reconvening for their legislative sessions to debate bills that could become new state laws. A bill from Florida is catching national attention because it would ban pet owners from allowing their dogs to stick their heads out of car windows, and the dogs wouldn’t be allowed in a driver’s lap. The bill was introduced with the intention to protect animals.

Not only would dogs be banned from sticking their head out of the window, but they would have to be secured inside the car. The bill says dogs would have to be in a crate, restrained with a seat belt, or under the physical control of someone other than the driver.

The bill includes laws related to other animals too. Cats can’t be declawed unless it is for a necessary medical reason, and it also includes a number of bans on cosmetic testing on animals.

Should the bill pass both chambers of the Florida legislature and gain approval from the governor, it would take effect Oct. 1, 2023.

Currently, New Jersey is the only state with a law on the books that bans dogs from sitting in driver’s laps. The state considers it animal cruelty.