N.M. pets may have to buckle up
Reuters — March 31, 2004
SANTA FE, N.M. — Buckle up Fido!
The city of Santa Fe in New Mexico may soon require pet owners to restrain their dogs, cats and ferrets in special pet seats or with seat belts while travelling in a moving vehicle.
The ordinance, endorsed by the city's public safety committee, would also require that "animals in open beds of trucks and cars be tethered or restrained enough so the animal can't fly out the window", said Kate Rindy, executive director of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, who helped develop the proposed law.
Rindy said dog seat belts as well as portable pet carriers would fit the bill, as would someone merely "holding a pet in their lap", she said. "Just like people need to be safe, so do animals."
There are special restraints on the market selling for about $20 (11 pounds) to $30 to attach an animal to a seat belt.
The pet restraint law in vehicles is part of a larger animal measure that tackles regulations for items such as spaying and neutering pets.
The city council will vote on the ordinance within the month, Rindy said.
Reuters — March 31, 2004
SANTA FE, N.M. — Buckle up Fido!
The city of Santa Fe in New Mexico may soon require pet owners to restrain their dogs, cats and ferrets in special pet seats or with seat belts while travelling in a moving vehicle.
The ordinance, endorsed by the city's public safety committee, would also require that "animals in open beds of trucks and cars be tethered or restrained enough so the animal can't fly out the window", said Kate Rindy, executive director of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, who helped develop the proposed law.
Rindy said dog seat belts as well as portable pet carriers would fit the bill, as would someone merely "holding a pet in their lap", she said. "Just like people need to be safe, so do animals."
There are special restraints on the market selling for about $20 (11 pounds) to $30 to attach an animal to a seat belt.
The pet restraint law in vehicles is part of a larger animal measure that tackles regulations for items such as spaying and neutering pets.
The city council will vote on the ordinance within the month, Rindy said.
