I was happy to see in the Sept. 11 edition of the Mirror an article on “Dogs in Pick Up Trucks” and how they should be safely secured.
I have witnessed a dog who fell out of the back of a truck and was run over by an on coming car.
It was a horrific event that should never have happened and could have been easily avoided.
But what wasn’t included in the article was the penalty an owner could face if they are pulled over by the police if the dog isn’t secured OR if there is an injury or damage as a result of the dog being thrown from the truck.
I contacted ICBC and they emailed me with the following information: Police can ticket under Section 72 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act for “Transport animals in insecure manner or vehicle exterior.” The fine would be $109.
Third Party Liability coverage on a vehicle is available if an unsecured dog traveling in a vehicle is to eject causing damage to another vehicle or bodily injury to a third party. If that driver is to be found at-fault for the accident, their insurance premiums could change upon renewal or new plate. I have yet to see anyone pulled over by the police for such an offense but I hope the police value the life of that dog and hold the owner responsible. A crate cost so little in comparison.
To all those responsible truckers I have seen you properly secure your dogs...good on ya!
Kim Hamilton
Campbell River