CA Gov. Vetoes Ban on Lap Dogs While Driving
Governor Says "No" to Fine for Drivers Who Let Dogs Sit on Their Lap
Sep 28, 2008
On Sunday, September 28, 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that, if approved, would have enabled police to issue a $35 fine to any driver that's caught with a lap dog.
The piece of legislation was sponsored by a Republican assemblyman who was reportedly upset at the sight of a driver with a lap dog. But the actor-turned-California governor issued a veto to the bill, stating that he will only sign bills that are of high priority to the state and clearly, a ban on lap dogs for drivers didn't fit the criteria.
That said, it seems that Governor Schwarzenegger's decision to veto the bill does have some drivers left scratching their heads.
"I'm a bit perplexed by the Governor's decision to veto the bill - we live in an age where the law prohibits you from talking on a cell phone while driving in some states. And there's also been talk of banning eating and drinking while driving in a few states. Certainly driving with a dog on your lap is at least as distracting as eating while driving," said Anaheim resident and dog owner Allison Burke.
San Francisco resident Lewis Maxwell added, "I don't think this law would have really targeted the drivers with a dog who's sitting quietly in their lap - you're not going to notice a dog that's laying down so those drivers probably wouldn't be pulled over and fined in the first place. But you are going to notice a dog who's standing up and walking around on the driver's lap - and I don't want a driver in that situation on our streets. I think those drivers should be fined."
Dog Safety While in the Car
Governor Schwarzenegger's decision to veto the lapdog ban does succeed in bringing attention to a very important topic: dog safety while riding in a vehicle.
Fortunately for pet owners, an increasing number of car insurance companies are now offering insurance coverage for pets who are injured during a car accident. So all pet owners who regularly allow their dog to go for car rides should consider adding this coverage, which can pay for some expensive veterinary bills in the event of an accident.
Dog owners should also take some additional measures to ensure a dog's safety during a car ride:
- Get a dog car seat or doggy seatbelt. A dog car seat or canine seatbelt can be used to restrain dogs who don't like to ride in a crate during car rides. Dog seatbelts are ideal for larger dogs, while canine car seats are ideal for smaller dogs, who are given a boost so they can enjoy the view out the window.
- Crate pets during a car ride. Cats, small animals, birds and dogs who do not wish to wear a seatbelt or sit in a doggy car seat should be restrained inside a crate or pet carrier. Smaller pet carriers should be seatbelted in place. Larger crates must be strapped down with bungee cords or they must be large enough so that they cannot move and slide around the car during an impact.
- Use doggles! A significant percentage of serious and blinding eye injuries occur during car rides, especially when a dog's head is positioned outside the window. Sand, rocks and debris can fly up and through an open window, injuring the dog's eye and leading to serious pain, eye infection and even blindness. Either keep the windows rolled up or purchase a pair of "doggles" - goggles designed for dogs who enjoy fresh air during a car ride.
Dog owners can easily overlook a pet's safety during a car ride, but dogs are just as vulnerable as humans during a car crash. So proper safety precautions are vital to ensure a dog's safety on the next car trip.
Related Reading
For pet owners who enjoy a driving with dogs, check out Pet Seat Belts and Dog Car Seats to learn about the options available to ensure a safe car ride.
Pet owners may also enjoy reading about the new 2009 Toyota Venza, a crossover sedan that will be available for purchase in late 2008 with optional pet seats, dog booster seats, dog ramps, and more.
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