The Associated Press
After much howling in the legislature, Tennessee senators decided this week that dogs can continue riding unrestrained in the backs of pickup trucks.

They voted down a bill that would have created a misdemeanor offense, punishable with a $50 fine, for letting a dog ride unrestrained in the truck bed.

Sponsors said they were trying to protect the animals and motorists, but lawmakers – particularly those from rural areas of the state – were very critical.

The bill had been amended to exempt dogs being transported for farming or hunting purposes. Senators then amended it to apply to only trucks driving on interstates, but that wasn't enough to win over opponents.

Senators voted 13-11 against it.

The companion bill already had been withdrawn in the House when it became clear that passage was unlikely.