MIAMI
(CBSMiami) — A first-of-its-kind crash test for dog harnesses widely used by
pet owners showed that none offer adequate protection, with not a single
harness passing the test.
The
non-profit Center for Pet Safety (CPS) said during its harness tests,
crash-test dog dummies turned into projectiles and were even decapitated.
“We
tested them to the child safety restraint standard and we experienced a
100-percent failure rate to protect either the consumer or the dog,” said CPS
founder and CEO Lindsey Wolko. “That is a very real concern for consumers.”
The
Center for Pet Safety would not disclose which harnesses the nonprofit tested
out of fear even fewer people will secure their pets.
Wolko
said that, while some manufactures do claim to do their own testing, there is
no government standard, which creates unregulated industry that can be
dangerous for drivers.
Veterinarian Kim Haddad has seen what can happen to a pet in a car accident.
“Broken legs, broken jaws, soft tissue injury, it can be pretty traumatic,”
said Dr. Haddad.
But
while injuries are much worse when drivers let their dogs roam free inside a
vehicle, simply using a harness often isn’t enough. In some cases, they can be
just as deadly.
“Something
is better than nothing, but again, it is only going to be as good as the
manufacturer, the fit and the user application of the product,” said Haddad.
According
to the American Automobile Association, 20-percent of dog owners admit to
allowing their pets to ride unrestrained inside their vehicle.
While
having your dog in your lap as you drive violates distracted driving laws, no
state currently requires drivers to buckle up their pets.
Some
states have proposed bills that could require harnesses, but CPS worries such
laws would create a false sense of security as owners assume if a product is
legislated, it meets some kind of safety standard.
CPS is
now calling for standardized testing similar to child safety seats and for
lawmakers to educate themselves on safety standards before legislating the
restraints.
One
auto manufacturer, Subaru, is currently partnering with CPS to create a testing
standard.
No comments:
Post a Comment