A new bill has been proposed in Florida that would enact a number of protections and guidelines for animals, including a ban on declawing cats, animal testing for cosmetics, and the dogs that stick their heads out of the windows.
Florida Senate Bill 932, introduced by Democratic State Minority Leader Lauren Book, says dogs will not be allowed to stick any part of their body out of a window, ride on the driver’s lap or ride motorcycles .
Dogs traveling in motor vehicles may not ride on roofs, fenders, or hoods. They would have to be secured in an appropriately sized cage and pet harness or seatbelt, and be under the supervision of someone other than the driver, the bill says.
Dogs may travel 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 moving violations, according to the bill.
The bill would also make it illegal to declaw cats unless it is “for a therapeutic purpose,” such as illness or injury, the bill says.
Cats should not be declawed, 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 might have their licenses revoked, suspended or subject to a $5,000 fine under the bill.
In addition, manufacturers would not be able to test cosmetics on animals unless required by federal or state law, and in that case, manufacturers would have to indicate animal testing on product labels.
Floridians also mightn’t “leash” animals without supervision
Tethering means “to tie a domestic dog or domestic cat to a stationary or inanimate object with a rope, chain, or other means to restrain, confine, or restrict the movement of the animal,” the bill says.
Exceptions apply, for example, if the animal is being cared for by a veterinarian or groomer, is involved in herding livestock, or is being trained for use in law enforcement.
Domestic rabbit sales would also be reviewed. Its sale would not be allowed in any street, market or outdoor venue, nor during the months of March and April. The violations would be considered second-degree misdemeanors under the bill.
Finally, the bill would establish a registry of people convicted of animal abuse.
Registrants would have their Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers published, and would remain on the list for three years following a first misdemeanor, five years following a first felony, and 10 years following any other offense.
Registrants would also not be allowed to own or work with animals.
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