New Jersey Considers Mandatory Seat Belts for Dogs in Cars

New Jersey legislators may soon be fighting like cats and dogs over legislation requiring vehicle seat belts for, well, cats and dogs. 

Assembly Bill (AB) 3221, introduced by Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer, would require pet owners to place their pets in seat belts or similar restraining devices while transporting them in vehicles. Violators would face a $20 fine. A violation also would be considered cruel or inhumane treatment, which is punishable by a fine of between $250 and $1,000.

According to NJ.com, passage of the bill would give New Jersey the toughest seat belt law for pets.

But, other legislators have introduced AB 3182, which specifies that failing to restrain a dog, cat, or other pet is not cruel or inhumane. More information on the competing bills can be found at the New Jersey legislature’s website.