Zeus looks out the car window as his owner collects pet food at the Animal Food Bank of Miami-Dade County, Thursday, June 4, 2020, at Lake Stevens Park in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Wilfred Lee/AP
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Wilfred Lee/AP
A new bill has been proposed in Florida that would enact a number of animal protections and guidelines, including a ban on cat slaughter, animal testing of cosmetics and dogs hanging their heads out of windows.
Florida Senate Bill 932, introduced by Democratic state Minority Leader Lauren Book, says dogs would not be able to stick any part of their body out a window, ride on a driver’s lap or ride a motorcycle.
Dogs traveling in motor vehicles may not ride on roofs, fenders or hoods. They should be secured in an appropriately sized crate and pet harness or seat belt, and be under the supervision of someone other than the driver, the bill says.
Dogs may ride in truck beds, but only in a crate that is secured to the truck and is large enough for the dog to sit, stand and turn around.
Violators would be subject to non-criminal traffic violations under the bill.
The bill would also make it illegal to cull cats unless it is “for a therapeutic purpose,” such as an illness or injury, the bill says. Cats should not be scratched, as it is their primary way of defending themselves in an attack, and the procedure can alter a cat’s behavior and gait, according to PETA.
Veterinarians who perform declawing procedures could have their licenses revoked, suspended or be subject to a $5,000 fine under the bill.
In addition, manufacturers would not be allowed to test cosmetics on animals unless required by federal or state law, in which case manufacturers would be required to list animal testing on product labels.
Floridians also could not “tie up” animals without supervision. Tethering means “tying a domestic dog or domestic cat to a stationary or inanimate object with a rope, chain or other means to restrain, limit or restrict the movement of the animal,” the bill says.
Exceptions apply, such as if the animal is being cared for by a veterinarian or groomer, is participating in animal husbandry, or is being trained for use in law enforcement.
Pet rabbit sales would also get a review. They would not be allowed to be sold in any street, flea market or outdoor venue, nor during the months of March and April. Violations would be considered second-degree misdemeanors under the bill.
Finally, the bill would establish a registry of people convicted of animal abuse. Enrollees would have their Social Security and driver’s license numbers posted and remain on the list for three years after a first misdemeanor, five years after a first felony and 10 years after any other offense.
Registrants could also not own or work with animals.
