Pet restraint laws and a question for all our NJ members

[Joe R.]

Saw this on our local news today.  Since it's in New Jersey I thought I get everyones opinions. I personally think it's a great idea. Also does anyone know if they are actually enforcing it.

 

http://wusa9.com/news/article/207053/283/State-Drivers-Should-Buckl...

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have no idea if it would work the same for a dog. But seat belts for laps only caused abdominal injuries. Having shoulder restraints helped because the spread force more evenly around ribs and clavicle I think. A dogs restraint is primarily across it's chest and this might be better too.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

Just my thoughts but I think they are making a mountain out of a mole hill.  Remember they are using the animal cruelty laws justify giving out these tickets.  This will blow over. 

 

The important part of this discussion is "How do we keep our pets and ourselves safe in the car?"

 

From what I have read crates are not the answer and harnesses may do more harm than good.

[Adina P]

Interestingly this topic came up in a training discussion group and one very renowned trainer swears by crates and put up a great defense of them.  But he uses only crates that have been approved for airline travel and wedges them in just so, etc.  But he wrote about 2 paragraphs describing his specific set-up.  He does board-and-train and thus, for training, he frequently transports dogs in his vehicle. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For transporting multiple strange dogs, (i.e. dogs who do not live with each other or know each other, or know you), you absolutely have to have some kind of restraint system for the dogs, and I know many people who have been transporting hundreds of dogs for rescue in crates for many years and have never heard of an issue.

The director of our GSD Rescue Group has a large van that is lined in airline crates, and that's how she moves dogs around. No issues, no problems. But they do look like they are secured within the van pretty well.

[Adina P]

I think quality crates put in correctly makes a huge difference...or it seems it would.

 I saw one crash video with animal dummies to prove a point and sell a specific brand of restraint.  The fake kitty was in a cat carrier--NOT an approved airline crate and the crate came apart fairly easily.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Part of the difficulty with crates, besides the fact that there is no room in the back of my sedan, is the lack of "enjoyment" for the dogs. I take my dogs with me on occasion just because they love to go for a ride and see, windows closed, the world go by. Of course sometimes we go on a walk or an adventure, but not always, yet they like to go for a ride. It's not just about transport.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with this as well. JD loves to go for a ride, and he loves to look out the window.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well since Andy says it's an animal cruelty law, I'll plead that it's cruel to not let them enjoy the trip : ) I do need to read the statue but they are rarely written in English.

[F, Calla & Luca]

So any answers?

[Shannon and Finn]

For me, keeping dogs from distracting drivers is very important.  Since I have 2 young kids as well I can easily become distracted (even if the dog isn't getting into the front) by getting on their laps or trying to snatch their snacks so I keep him secured in the back, either with a gate or loosely tied to his area depending on the vehicle we are in.  I haven't been convinced that this is unsafe and it keeps him from flying forward toward the windshield in a quick non-accident stop or jumping out and taking off when I open the door.  I am comfortable with this plan.  I definitely don't want anyone in my car to get hurt or worse in an accident, but there are risks you take anytime you get in a car and have to do the best you can. 

[Adina P]

I've only ever traveled with a 19 month old toddler and my doodle Boca (50-60 lbs).  And I took a trip to the groomer once with both doodles and the toddler when she was much younger.  Luckily both my dogs are really chill in the car while it's moving so distraction has never been a problem and I haven't had to give any snacks during that time.  My concern about distraction is very low.  But the thing that got me to buy a restraint system a couple years ago was several hard stops in city traffic that sent 80 lb Rosco flying onto the floor or the back of my seat.  Scared me.  I think the restraint probably needs to be fairly short or the dog will start flying forward before the seatbelt locks. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Rosco is very similar to JD. I never worry about him distracting me or interfering with my driving, that's just a non-issue. He sits or lies in the backseat, behind me. He never tries to get in the back of the SUV, and he never, ever tries to get up front. He's not allowed in the front seat, period. He never even puts his head through the space between the front seats.

But there have been a few times when I had to hit my brakes suddenly, and he did...I can't say "fly", but a hard bounce,maybe... off the back seat. If someone really slammed into me, he might go flying. That's the only reason he would need to be restrained. And you're right, the seat belt did not keep him on the seat. It would have kept him from flying out of the car, though.