Christie pooh-poohs doggie seat belt law
Gov. Chris Christie says if the New Jersey legislature passes a bill requiring dogs and cats to wear seat-belt like restraints in cars he won’t sign it.
Christie termed the proposal ”stupid,” Bloomberg reports.
He also said the proposed law was an example of how Democrats, who control the state Senate and General Assembly, are wasting time with trivial issues when there are bigger ones to be solved.
“This will tell you everything you need to know about how New Jersey runs under the Democrats,” Christie said in his monthly “Ask the Governor” broadcast on Ewing-based WKXW-FM radio. “They’re actually spending their time on this.”
If the bill makes it through the legislature for him to sign into law, Christie said, he wouldn’t put his name “near something that stupid.”
Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer, a Newark Democrat who owns a Pomeranian , introduced the bill to require harnesses for animals not being transported in cages. Violators would be fined $25.
Posted by jwoestendiek October 1st, 2012 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, bill, cars, cats, chris christie, christie, democrat, dogs, governor, grace spencer, harnesses, law, legislature, pets, proposed, republican, restraints, seat belts, signature, stupid, transporting
Comments
Comment from Bess
Time October 1, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Seatbelt harnesses not only protect your pet in case of an accident, but can protect other drivers from accidents caused by distracted drivers with pets in their lap or near the pedals. I imagine the law is based on the distracted-driving concern, and is just as valid as a cellphone ban while driving.
Comment from Tina
Time October 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Sorry, I agree with the governor.
If you watch the “crash test dummy” videos of some of these harnesses… they actually can cause the damage (i.e. decapitation) that they say they’re trying to protect you from.
That said, the driver is responsible to make sure the dogs are safe and not a distraction. Best mode of travel is in a crate, I agree… but my dog will be over 180lbs, and her crate won’t fit in the car (and I refuse to let her ride up top). She also won’t fit under the pedals… so, no problem there.
Comment from robert schlosser
Time October 1, 2012 at 11:44 am
And I agree. Good for him.( and I’m a democrat)