Labrador owner - is it E class or ML only to carry a cage for your loved one?

[Chugg]

Or just use the mesh guard!

 

[bbw_babe]

Hi!
My hubby has a E500 estate that he uses as a 'daily' driver that fits 3 GSP's into the boot!
The car is also advertised for sale here on the forum.

 

[merc estate]

E class al the way, you don't want to be lifting a heavy dog into an ML, they come with the mesh in the load cover.

 

[milleplod]

I've yet to see any legislation which makes it illegal to transport an unrestrained dog in a car.

Pete

 

[Chugg]

I've yet to see any legislation which makes it illegal to transport an unrestrained dog in a car.

Pete

Well I was always under the impression that there wasn’t specific legislation, I’m sure there are laws that could be used if it was deemed an animal/load/person or whatever was not safely or properly ’loaded’ and caused an accident or something, but no specific legislation hence why you see them on the front seat of builders vans etc.
However, I’m not up on it all to be fair.

 

[GillyC63]

My mates E class can fit these 2 Gingers in.

 

[Merc220cls]

A nice sporty looking CLS Shooting Brake should be ample for a dog and it's not too high for a roof rack either

 

[BTB 500]

Well I was always under the impression that there wasn’t specific legislation, I’m sure there are laws that could be used if it was deemed an animal/load/person or whatever was not safely or properly ’loaded’ and caused an accident or something, but no specific legislation hence why you see them on the front seat of builders vans etc.
However, I’m not up on it all to be fair.

It's definitely in the Highway Code:

Rule 57​

When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.​

I thought the parts of the HC that aren't legal requirements used "should" in the wording to indicate this, but I could be wrong.

 

[Chugg]

It's definitely in the Highway Code:

​

Rule 57​

When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.​

I thought the parts of the HC that aren't legal requirements used "should" in the wording to indicate this, but I could be wrong.

Makes sense to me, better to have some restraint than nothing, cheers

 

[SpikyMikey]

Well I was always under the impression that there wasn’t specific legislation, I’m sure there are laws that could be used if it was deemed an animal/load/person or whatever was not safely or properly ’loaded’ and caused an accident or something, but no specific legislation hence why you see them on the front seat of builders vans etc.
However, I’m not up on it all to be fair.

Apparently 'driving without due care' covers it.

 

[Chugg]

I do see a lot of dogs get out of cages in cars and I think the cages look too small for the dogs and a bit cruel if they can’t stand, stretch turn round etc. but can’t argue it’s safer,

Sorry, I meant can’t earlier

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

An E-class estate gets my vote. Dog in the boot, bikes on the roof. Unless the dog is very tall the extra ceiling height of the ML cabin won’t be required.

The E-class will be easier for the dog to get into and easier to get the bikes up too - lifting a bike inn a carrier, on to the roof of an ML isn’t easy.

My suggestion is to make sure that whichever car you go for, the load area is square so that the dog can turn around whilst travelling.

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

When we had just two dogs, the E class estate was perfect. Not a lover of crates particularly so invested in solidly made beds, bit like car seats for kids that attach to the car. The dog is clipped into this for its and our safety.

Unfortunately shmbo bought another two dogs so had to move up to a V class with four of these beds..

 

[BTB 500]

Unfortunately shmbo bought another two dogs so had to move up to a V class with four of these beds..

Might as well go the whole hog then



You know it makes sense!!

 

[merc estate]

I see a few drunks on the tv cops programs that could do with going in there. Thats a nice job

 

[Crispian22]

I've had both,previously a s212 facelift and currently a w166.
My boys fit easily in both(chocolate lab and large German shepherd)the lab found it easier to hop into the E class due to the lower floor though.

Either car you would need a separate bike rack either boot or roof mounted.

 

[BTB 500]

I see a few drunks on the tv cops programs that could do with going in there. Thats a nice job

My son used to climb in and shut himself in with the dogs when he was little

The doors lift off if required and the centre dividers pull out ... we use the bottom for luggage space on trips to Germany (when we normally only take 4 dogs). So it's quite a flexible layout. The pull-out deck is rated for 200 kg so handy for sitting on under the tailgate when it rains at shows!

 

[W1ghty]

I've yet to see any legislation which makes it illegal to transport an unrestrained dog in a car.

Pete

Don’t know about illegal , but an unrestrained substantial weight hitting the occupants during an accident is the danger .
Bit like the old advert of the rear seat occupant with no seatbelt breaking the neck of the driver .

 

[milleplod]

It's definitely in the Highway Code:

​

Rule 57​

When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.​

I thought the parts of the HC that aren't legal requirements used "should" in the wording to indicate this, but I could be wrong.

Don’t know about illegal , but an unrestrained substantial weight hitting the occupants during an accident is the danger .
Bit like the old advert of the rear seat occupant with no seatbelt breaking the neck of the driver .

Yes indeed.....my only point was that it's not illegal.

Pete

 

[W1ghty]

Yes indeed.....my only point was that it's not illegal.

Pete

And mine