[jimbo2012]

New Jersey, the state which brings you Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives of New Jersey, has expanded it's seat-belt restraint laws to include pets. New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issues warning to pet owners--restrain your dog in the car or face stiff penalties.



Penalties for unrestrained dogs range from $250 to $1,000 and as much as six months in jail. (Fines can multiply for more than one animal in the vehicle.) Additionally, drivers can be charged with a disorderly person's offense under the state's animal cruelty statutes.



Other states have similar legislation pending that will make restraining pets in motor vehicles mandatory. Hawaii explicitly forbids drivers from holding pets on their laps. In Arizona, Connecticut and Maine, distracted-driving laws can be used to charge drivers with pets on their laps