Texas Law: Is It Legal For Dogs To Ride In The Back Of Trucks?

I recently saw a debate online about a dog standing on the back of a flat pickup bed as the truck traveled down the road. With no sides to the bed, it looks incredibly unsafe for the animal.

Some people called it "normal" while others were outraged. But is it illegal?

The short answer here in Texas overall is "no," but some Texas cities have restrictions about having your dog in the pickup bed.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, there are no statewide laws prohibiting animals from riding in pickup beds, however, Forth Worth requires the animal be secured so it cannot jump out or fall out of the bed. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. Dallas has a similar law.

Additionally, having the animal in any cruel situation is illegal- if the dog is in pain or suffering, that is punishable by law. If the person is driving in a way to hurt the animal, or keeping them overly hot, etc., that is illegal.

But just because something isn't illegal, doesn't make it moral or wise. I think one commenter won the "debate" decisively:

I was born and raised here. When I was growing up, that was the norm and I still see it often enough.

I never thought about it until later in life, working in law enforcement. No matter how well trained a dog is, they don’t survive a wreck in the back of a truck. There isn’t a way to train a dog for that.  

After some of the results I’ve seen, I’d never put my dog in the back of a truck to be catapulted in the air and slide a few dozen yards across the pavement because some idiot ran a light.

Once you see a dog crying, half its hide grated off on the street, legs broken, in a pool of blood, not understanding what is going on and overwhelmed with pain…it’s hard to ever trust other drivers again.

As hard as that is to read, I have to agree. That's why my dog always rides inside, with me.