Why pets shouldn't ride in the back of a pickup

How often do you see a pickup truck driving along with either a dog or kids in the bed of the truck? I've heard all kinds of excuses such as there's no room in the cab; I'm not planning on getting in an accident; the dog is tied up in there, he's fine; we're only going a short distance. I'm sure there are kids and animals injured or killed because they were thrown out of the bed of the truck.

I am posting a link to a story, with pictures, on our web site (The Humane Society of Southern Arizona) about a dog that was thrown out of the bed of a pickup truck and dragged along by his leash until his collar broke and he was left on the side of the road. Fortunately, he was brought to us, and we were able to save him. He needs lots of care and physical therapy but is such a loving dog.

I'm only bringing this up because I saw him this morning in our Clinic as one of the staff members was walking him. He is such a sweet dog. I'm posting a link to our web site with his story, and pictures, but I warn you the pictures are very graphic, so if you're squeamish at all, don't click on the link. Maybe if you know some one who insists on transporting kids or dogs this way, you can refer them to this page.

http://www.hssaz.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_champ

thanks for mentioning this. ALL TOO OFTEN I see the dogs in pickups around NM. And it's HOT!! Geesh! WHY do people do this? Obviously their brains are elsewhere.

I chose NOT to click on the link. I cry every time I see a stray....so if I saw what you posted, I cannot be responsible for my emotional state that would ensue.