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Fined for not belting your pooch?

Police and animal control officers in New Jersey have been authorised to fine drivers for having unrestrained animals in their vehicle. Drivers, including bakkie owners, with pets unrestrained could receive a fine per offence.

Ray Martinez, head of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, said: "People driving with a dog or a cat on their lap...  it’s not cute, it’s actually dangerous for the driver, for other drivers and for the pet.”

FASTEN IT DOWN

If you're wondering what do with your pooch, it can be placed in a special harness that hooks to a seat belt. Cat owners will probably have a tough time getting their feline to comply with a harness so you'd be better off with a pet-carrier.

Make sure the carrier is fastened down, though.

Do you think New Jersey's on the right track to reducing driver distraction? Or has bureaucracy gone a bit far with clamping down on pets? Share your thoughts in our Reader Comments section below.
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