
People might not be allowed to allow their dog to stick their head out of the car window anymore if some New Jersey lawmakers have their way.
Controversial legislation that is being considered would require pets riding in cars to be buckled in.
Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D-Essex) has introduced a bill that would require pets be restrained in the backseat of a moving car.
The driver would face a $20 ticket and animal cruelty charges if authorities find an unrestrained animal.
"It's about placing dogs out of a situation where they are a distraction to drivers," Spencer says.
Daniel Gold is not in favor of the legislation, despite being at a pet store to buy a seat belt for his dog.
"I think it is a little arbitrary and capricious," Gold says.
Kathy Wagner has a dog crate in her back seat for her dog, but doesn't restrain her dog.
She also thinks lawmakers are barking up the wrong tree with the proposal.
"I think its overkill. I think its not necessary to mandate everything," Wagner says.
The staff at Cutter's Mill Pet Store in Princeton say sales of doggie car seats and even doggie seatbelts are already on the rise.
"God forbid you get rear-ended and your dog doesn't have a seatbelt," employee Hermy Singh says.
The proposal could be considered this fall.