Strange

California law to ban pets on lap while driving

by cynthia yoo | May 5, 2008 at 09:11 pm

1949 views | 2 Recommendations | 4 comments

California lawmakers want to ban drivers from cradling their pets in their laps while driving.

I wonder if the bill is specific to driver's laps only. 'Cos I'm thinking of Paris Hilton's famed ferret. And as you know, ferrets move about, often perching themselves on the shoulder or thereabouts. On that point, what about parrots? Or birds in general? They'd look silly on laps. Californians are too hip for that.

Perhaps the bill could be amended to legislate against pets making owners look silly. After all, Assemblyman Bill Maze said he introduced the bill when he saw

a woman driving with three dogs on her lap.

Silliness aside, there are good reasons to reduce sources of distraction while driving: for example, mobile phones, pets on laps, big slurpees, extra-hot coffees? Hmm...

A California lawmaker wants to ban motorists from holding pets on their laps while driving and getting caught can net a $35 fine. The bill passed the Assembly on a 44-11 vote on Monday, and heads to the Senate.

Assemblyman Bill Maze says his legislation has nothing to do with pet-loving celebrities who are photographed driving around Los Angeles with their small dogs.

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asse_letent

at 22:14 on May 5th, 2008

I see many animals in cars & I actually fear for the animals safety just as much as for the people. Dogs in the back of trucks is one of my pet hates, and I cant drive anywhere near them in traffic. I find it stressful and distressing. If they could only imagine what would happen to their dogs body should it come off the back whilst going at 60kn hr I am sure they wouldnt do it! How could they? All animals need to be restrained and contained - for everybodies sake.

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joysaphine

at 23:03 on May 5th, 2008

My two dogs are Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Large dogs. If they go in the car it is on the back seat. Gwennon (looking out of the window) is 4 months old and Angus is a year. I am trying to figure out some kind of harness that will allow them a certain amount of freedom of movement, but which would give them protection - like a seatbelt. I think something like that would give dog owners some peace of mind.

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