Florida bill would prohibit dogs from sticking heads out car windows

A new Florida bill would ban dog owners from allowing their pets to stick their heads out of car windows in the state.

The bill, SB 932, was introduced last week by Democratic state Senator Lauren Book, who represents parts of Southern Florida, including Broward County.  

If passed, the bill would ban pets from extending their "head or any other body part outside a motor vehicle window while the person is operating the motor vehicle on a public roadway." 

Additionally, the bill would set limitations on how a dog can ride in a vehicle. Dogs traveling in a car would need to be on a harness, a pet seatbelt, or a crate for the duration of a trip. If no crate or harness is available, a dog will have to be held on a passenger’s lap. 

The proposed law states that individuals who do not adhere to the new rules could face a misdemeanor. 

According to the Humane Society, allowing dogs to enjoy the breeze of the wind outside of the window can pose certain dangers. 

"Although most dogs love to stick their heads out open windows, the wind can seriously irritate mucous membranes and blow pieces of grit or other debris into their eyes," the organization explained. "Pets could also be seriously injured by objects as you drive down the road."

SB 932 would also ban the sale of rabbits in March and April, require the Department of Law Enforcement to create a list of convicted animal abusers, and prohibit owners from declawing their cats. Additionally, it would ban cosmetic testing on animals for any product created for human application.