Photo of a woman driving with her pet dog sparks outrage - can you see why?
- Image of woman driving with dog on her lap in Western Australia posted online
- Her furry friend was seen sitting right up close to the steering wheel this week
- There are big fines and penalties if an unrestrained animal is injured in a crash
A photo of an Australian woman driving with her pet dog sitting on her lap has been condemned by many animal lovers.
The photo surfaced on a Perth Facebook group and showed the pooch sitting close to the steering wheel while the woman drove.
Fellow pet owners said the woman was placing herself, her furry friend and other road users at risk because dogs can be unpredictable.
The biggest risk, several suggested, was that the animal could be crushed or panic if the airbag was deployed.
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Many guessed it must also be an illegal act.
'No real love or care for the animal,' one wrote.
Australians are not allowed to drive with their furry friends on their laps no matter where they are in the country.
While specific rules on animals in cars differ between states, in Western Australia an animal inside a vehicle must not be in position to distract or obstruct a driver's vision.
Dogs can however sit in the front passenger seat in WA - although they should be restrained.
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The RSPCA can also issue fines of up to $5,500 under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act if an animal is injured because it was unrestrained.
Owners can also face up to six months in jail for the offence.
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