Community Corner
A Seatbelt Law For Dogs and Other Pets?
A New Jersey lawmaker wants Fido buckled up for his own protection. Should our pets be restrained in our vehicles?
Doggie joy riding, head out the window and nose into the wind, could come to an end in New Jersey.
A state lawmaker has proposed legislation that would require pets, in particular dogs, to be restrained in some fashion when in the car. The measure is intended to safeguard pets from injuries that can occur from sudden stops. If it becomes law, violators would get a $20 ticket and could also be convicted of an animal cruelty offense, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000.
Another group of New Jersey legislators, however, oppose the measure and have submitted a competing proposal to make sure it does not become a criminal offense to transport unrestrained pets in a vehicle.
A recent poll shows New Jersey voters are divided on the issue, with 45 percent supporting it and 40 percent opposing the idea, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Connecticut does not have a law requiring pets to be restrained in the car, but the state's distracted-driving statute can be used to ticket drivers in cases where motorists drive with a pet on their lap.
What do you think? Should pets be restrained in a moving vehicle?
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