Proposals to introduce dog seat belts in cars are being considered by the Department of Transport. Minister Leo Varadkar is currently consulting with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on the issue.

The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) says it is a major safety issue and dogs can inflict severe injuries on passengers and themselves if thrown around during a crash.

However there are no statistics available on whether unrestrained dogs in cars have been the cause of accidents or if they have inflicted injuries during collisions.

Harnesses can be bought in shops for around €10. But it is not yet clear what types of restraints are being examined or whether any legislation will be introduced.

Noel Griffin is chief executive of the the ISPCA. He says it is a good idea to have dogs restrained or in a sectioned off part of a vehicle.

He spoke to Breakfast here on Newstalk.