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Dogs to get harnesses by law?

The UK could lead the rest of Europe to adopt mandatory belting up of dogs in cars.

The Guild of Experienced Motorists has stepped up its campaign for compulsory seat belts/harnesses for dogs after a poll revealed that more than 60 per cent of drivers believe dogs should be retrained when in the car.

David Williams, MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist in the UK comments, "Not only are unnecessary accidents caused by unrestrained animals in the car but the consequences in a crash can be much more severe. If a motorist is travelling at just 30 miles per hour, in the case of impact, an unrestrained average sized dog weighing approximately 50lbs would be projected forward with a force equal to a baby elephant."

The campaign has received backing from former Eastenders actor Todd Carty who appeared on a TV campaign to highlight the issue after he was involved in a near tragic accident with his pet Labrador.

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Published on October 12, 2011