Cars, bikes and motor bikes, boats & the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Two out of three Australian families own pets. These pets are often transported in motor vehicles. Legally under NSW road rules you are obliged to make sure your pet is secure when travelling in a motor vehicle. You can be fined and lose demerit points if,
• Your dog causes you not to be in full control of the vehicle. This includes the dog being on the lap of the driver. The legislation stipulates that a driver must not drive with an animal on their lap or preventing them from having proper control imposes a fine of $338 and the loss of three demerit points and increases to $442 in a school zone.
• A driver, motor cycle rider, bike rider or a passenger MUST NOT lead a dog on a leash while moving. Also a motor bike rider must not ride with an ANIMAL between the handlebars and the rider.
• Pets should be seated or housed in the appropriate area of the vehicle. If a dog is injured because it was unrestrained the owner can face fines and a jail sentence. Fines of up to $400 apply to owners of unrestrained dogs. This includes carrying a dog unrestrained in the back of a ute.
• Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act if an animal is injured because it was not restrained in a motor vehicle the owner can face up to 6 months in jail and or a maximum fine of $5,500.00.
• See http:www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/animals.html
• Dogs and Boats. This is at this conjuncture unresolved. Legally, does a dog have to wearing a PFD while on board a boat? (Personal Floatation Device = lifejacket).The law requires all occupants of motor boats to wear a PFD.Is an Animal an Occupant when it is on a boat? To be continued..