Alberta SPCA investigating two dogs travelling on top of truck bed on highway

EDMONTON — The Alberta SPCA is investigating after two dogs were seen being driven down a highway on top of a truck bed cover.

Joey Dunbar, whose wife was driving home to Edmonton on Sunday, said the driver of a truck passed them going more than 110 km/h on the Yellowhead Highway so he took some video and photos.

“I probably wouldn’t have worried that much if they were sitting in the back of the box but they were sitting on a slip tank or a tunnel cover … above the box with no leashes, no nothing, nothing to tie them down or anything,” Dunbar told The Canadian Press.

“The way this guy was driving, he was driving like an idiot.”

Dunbar posted photos of the truck with the two dogs on social media and filed a complaint with the police.

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Spruce Grove RCMP investigated, but no charges were laid.

“We’re not providing any formal explanation,” said Cpl. Laurel Scott. “We received the complaint, we investigated it and it did not result in charges.”

The Alberta SPCA said it also received a complaint late Monday and is now investigating the incident.

“Potentially we could lay charges under the Animal Protection Act,” said spokesman Roland Lines. “What gave us grounds to investigate was it seems reasonable that there may have been a violation of the animal protection regulations.”

A section of the regulations states animals must be contained in a compartment and protected from possible harm. It also has rules around footing for animals and not being exposed to undue danger, he said.

If the owner were to be charged under the Animal Protection Act, they would be required to make a mandatory court appearance and could face a maximum fine up to $20,000.

“There’s a possibility of charges, but I think it’s unlikely,” said Lines, noting they will check to make sure the dogs are in good health and then educate the driver about the regulations.

“Depending on the response of the subject, it would probably be left there.”

Colette Derworiz, The Canadian Press