‘I Got It From Temu’: Woman Fined for Riding Motorbike With Dog Strapped to Chest

Woman claims she bought the harness from Temu, but police say online purchases don’t excuse unsafe pet transport on motorcycles.

Screenshot of a video from the Queensland Police Service of a woman riding a motorcycle with a dog strapped to her chest. Screenshot/Queensland Police Service footage

A Queensland woman has been handed a $376 fine after a police officer pulled her over for riding a motorcycle with a dog harnessed to her chest.

The 35-year-old rider was spotted on May 17 navigating Alexandra Parade at Alexandra Headland around 2 p.m. in the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, with her four-legged passenger comfortably perched between her arms.

But one officer from the Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol weren’t so convinced about the safety of the arrangement.

Video released by the Queensland Police Service captured the rather surprised officer informing the rider, “You know you can’t do that ... So you can’t ride with the dog on the bike. I must say, it’s the first time I’ve seen it with the whole harnessing thing before.”

The woman responded that she wasn’t aware it was illegal.

“I bought this off Temu,” she said.

Despite the harness, the officer explained the risks.

“Well unfortunately you can’t be riding around with the dog in between your arms. I know your dog is probably trained but if he starts moving around or try to chase stuff, anything could happen. Then that’s obviously gonna cause you to crash.”

Harness or Not, Rules Say No

Queensland’s road laws are clear on such matters.

Under Road Rule 301(3), riders of bicycles or personal mobility devices are prohibited from leading or tethering an animal.

The same principle applies to motorcyclists. The rule, found in the Queensland Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) 2009, carries a maximum penalty of 20 units.

Senior Sergeant Shane Panoho of Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol said that, while pet love runs deep, it should never override safety.

“We know how attached some people are to their pets, but it’s best to apply a paws-off approach when it comes to our roads,” he said.

“The rider had purchased the harness online and did not think through the safety implications, particularly if the dog was to react to other road users, pedestrians or animals. This could place the rider and her pooch in harm’s way or put other motorists at risk. Although the dog seemed to be comfortable on the bike, we urge riders to practice safe and responsible behaviour on our roads.”

Lap Pets Illegal Nationwide

Across Australia, it’s illegal to drive with a pet on your lap. Although it is not illegal for your pet to sit in the front passenger seat, the pet must be safely restrained.

Most states impose hefty fines for instance

Victoria imposes a $277 fine for having an unrestrained pet in the front seat. It is also illegal to leave pets in hot cars for over 10 minutes.

In South Australia, failing to ensure pet safety while driving can attract fines of up to $750.

Tasmanian road rules advise drivers to secure dogs in the back seat to minimise distractions and injury risk. In the Northern Territory, dogs must be either restrained or enclosed when transported in or on a vehicle.