Book files bill prohibiting dogs from putting head outside car window while driving

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Senate Democrat Leader Lauren Book, D-Broward County, filed a bill that said it would prohibit dogs from putting their heads out of car windows while a person is operating a vehicle, among other animal welfare related measures.

It would also not allow drivers to have a dog in their lap while operating the car.

The bill text said if a dog is being transported in a motor vehicle on a public roadway, it must be in a crate, restrained safely with a harness or pet seat belt, or under the physical control of a person other than the driver of the car.

A dog being transported in the open bed of a pickup truck must be restrained using a dog crate that is secured to the pickup truck.

A person may not perform a declawing by any means on a cat unless the procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, which means the necessity of addressing the physical medical condition of a cat.

The Department of Law Enforcement will be required to post a publicly accessible registry of persons convicted of animal abuse offenses on its website, according to the bill text.

In addition, it will prohibit a manufacturer from manufacturing, importing for profit, selling, or offering for sale cosmetics developed using animal testing.

“Cosmetic” refers to any article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance, including, but not limited to, personal hygiene products such as deodorant, shampoo, or conditioner.

If passed, the bill will take effect July 1. It has yet to be assigned to any committees.