A new law proposed would ban dogs from sticking their heads out of car windows.
Florida lawmaker Lauren Book filed a bill last week which would have made it illegal to “allow a dog to extend its head or any other body part outside a motor vehicle window while the person is operating the motor vehicle on a public roadway”.
The Democrat would also make it illegal for a driver to hold a dog in their lap while driving.
In addition, any dog that was being transported in a moving vehicle would need to be restrained and anyone found guilty of the proposed bills would face a penalty fine or forced to attend driving courses.
However, after huge outrage from animal lovers the lawmaker said she would consider amending the bill.
Lauren told WTSP: "Our family has three dogs – two of which are almost 175lbs each and love sticking their heads out the window – so I welcome and appreciate all public comment on this issue.
"Which is only one piece of a complete proposed overhaul of the state’s animal welfare system as brought to me by veterinarians and advocates.
"We can easily amend this piece out of the bill while protecting the intent of the animal welfare community and vets who proposed the policy because of unintended injuries they’ve treated – and we will. In the meantime, let’s all invest in a good pair of ‘doggles’ to keep our furry friends safe."
Dog owner Gaby Graxirena told Fox she believes the bill is too excessive and that it should be up to the owners to decide.
She said: "I think my dog would be a little bit more upset about that, honestly. And a citation, I think that's a little much, but I mean, I get the idea of it for safety purposes, but I mean, I feel like that should be up to the pet owner’s discretion."
However, Brittany Livingston, from Florida Voices for Animals, argued the bill to stop owners having pets on their laps is a helpful one.
She said: "Having a companion animal in your lap or with their head out the window, now you're having to focus on that, you know, what's happening in front of you as opposed to paying attention to your actual surroundings and being the safest driver that you possibly can be."
Senator Lauren Book said the legislation is to protect dogs from the outdoor elements and to stop pets escaping.
