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Willmott HB No. 1091
Proposed law would have prohibited drivers from transporting dogs in the back of pickup
trucks on interstate highways within this state unless the dog is humanely secured.
Proposed law would have defined "humane manner" and provided for exceptions for dogs
that are secured in a humane manner in one of the following ways:
(1)Physically inside of an enclosed container, crate, kennel, or cage, that is safely
secured to the inside of the bed of a pickup truck that provides adequate ventilation
for the dog or dogs to maintain oxygen intake and breathe without distress, and
enough space for the dog or dogs to stand, sit, and turn around.
(2)Physically restrained by a restraint system that is long enough to allow the dog to
move its head above its shoulders while standing and short enough to prevent the dog
from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the bed of the pickup truck.
(3)Physically enclosed in the bed of a pickup truck that is covered by a ventilated top
that prevents the dog or dogs from jumping, falling, or being thrown from the bed of
the pickup truck.
Proposed law would have defined "restraint system" as any apparatus used for the purpose
of restricting a dog's movements, which may consist of a collar, harness, leash, lead, rope,
tie out, or any other securing device, used independently or collectively that does not cause
any harm to the dog or dogs.
Proposed law would have provided that the penalty for transporting one dog in violation of
proposed law would have been a fine of not more than $150.
Proposed law would have provided that an additional fine of $50 per dog would be imposed
for each additional dog transported at the same time in violation of proposed law.
(Proposed to add R.S. 32:284.1)
VETO MESSAGE:
"House Bill No. 1091 would place a significant burden on our citizens, particularly those
who reside in rural areas, while providing questionable benefit to their pets. The bill's broad
definition of the criterion by which a dog must be crated has rightly caused concern to
Louisiana sportsmen and farmers for being overly broad. Animal cruelty is explicitly
prohibited by current law, and I trust that our citizens can care for their pets without the
nanny state intervening to dictate how a dog is secured in the bed of a pickup truck.
For these reasons, and as requested by Louisiana Farm Bureau and Louisiana Sportsmen's
Alliance, I have vetoed House Bill No. 1091 and hereby return it to the House."