Are Dogs Allowed to Ride in a Truck Bed in Michigan?

Most Michigan residents are well aware that you're not allowed to ride in the bed of a truck going over 15 mph on a public road. But what about dogs? We all know how much they love jumping into a vehicle to go for a ride, but is it legal for them to ride in the bed of a truck?

The other day, I saw someone driving down the road with a big dog in the back of their truck. That's something you just don't see very often these days, so it got me wondering whether or not it was even legal. It also got me hoping that it wasn't.

Are Dogs Allowed to Ride in a Truck Bed in Michigan?

According to Michigan State University, only a handful of states have laws that expressly prohibit dogs from riding unrestrained in the back of pickup trucks. Unfortunately, Michigan is not one of those states.

In Michigan, there are no specific state laws that prohibit dogs from riding in the back of a truck. How is that even possible? However, general animal cruelty laws could apply if the dog is not properly secured and is put in a situation where it could be harmed.

Look, if you truly love your dog, don't let them ride in the bed of your truck.

In 2017, A bill was proposed about prohibiting dogs from riding in a driver’s lap, but it did not pass. I think it's time to revisit that one again.

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh

Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:

Gallery Credit: Linda Lombardi

10 Animals You Can’t Own As Pets In Michigan

Some people really want to have an exotic pet in their home, but very rarely is it a good idea. And if you are looking to add a wild animal to your family, check out this list of animals you can not own as pets in Michigan.

Filed Under: Dogs, michigan laws

Categories: Animals, Crime, Michigan News