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By John Henrikson for The News Tribune

Question: Dennis Smith of Puyallup wonders “Is it legal for dogs to ride in the truck bed when traveling down the road?”

He cringes when he gets behind a truck with a dog up on the wheel well with its head way over the side. “I’ve heard horror stories and don’t ever want to witness it,” he says.

Answer: Washington State law requires that dogs traveling outside a vehicle be secured. According to RCW 46.61.660: “It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any living animal on the running board, fenders, hood, or other outside part of any vehicle unless suitable harness, cage or enclosure be provided and so attached as to protect such animal from falling or being thrown therefrom.”

Presumably, any ticket would go to the driver, not the dog.

Besides the law, there’s good reason not to let your pet slide around off-leash in your truck bed.

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