California bill may ban dogs from driver's lap!

Thanks Splash for letting us know about this one! From KCRA.com in Sacramento:

Ban Fido From Front Seat, Some Owners Say

Bill Now Heading To State Senate

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Many pet owners say they support state legislation that would make it illegal for anyone to drive while carrying Fido or Fluffy on their lap.

The bill, sponsored by state Assemblyman Bill Maze of Visalia, passed the Assembly on Monday and next heads to the Senate.

Cynthia Thompson, a dog owner, said she would not consider driving with her pet on her lap.
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"It's not safe," Thompson said Tuesday outside of Cha Cha's Doggie Daycare in East Sacramento. "There's too many bad drivers out here now."

"I agree with it," pet owner Candy Scletter added. "I've personally been rear-ended because a gal had a dog on her lap."

Maze, a Republican, said his legislation has nothing to do with Paris Hilton and pet-loving celebrities who are photographed driving around Los Angeles with their small dogs. He said he introduced the bill after seeing a woman driving with three dogs on her lap.

Just last month, a woman in Modesto was hurt when she crashed a vehicle into a power pole after she was scratched by the cat sitting on her lap.

Others in favor of the bill said keeping pets restrained in the back seat will help keep them safe.

If the legislation becomes law, anyone caught driving with a pet on their lap would face a fine ranging from $35 to $100.

No lawmaker spoke Monday in opposition to the bill, which passed the Assembly on a 44-11 vote.

Photo courtesy of Newser.