Buckle up, rover: N.J. seat belt laws.

• Author: Mangu-Ward, Katherine
• Position: Citings - New Jersey - Brief article

If you're planning to drive through New Jersey, it may be time to think about getting your paws on special seat belt harnesses for Fido and Felix. The state legislature is considering a bill that would require pets in moving cars to be crated or secured. Violators face a $25 fine for the first offense, escalating to possible animal cruelty charges and fines as high as $1,000 for subsequent or more egregious violations.

The idea for the bill originated with some New Jersey schoolchildren, a demographic well known for its interest in the safety of puppies and kitties. Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D-Newark), who has five cats and a Pomeranian, took up the banner in July...