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Connecticut lawmakers are considering whether to make it illegal for pets to ride in a vehicle while sitting on the driver’s lap.

Under a bill before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee, people found driving with a pet on their lap would be charged with distracted driving.

Gordon Gibson, legislative liaison for the Connecticut State Grange, said pets could cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle and crash. He said animals should be kept away from drivers.

Gibson called on lawmakers to go even further and require all animals in moving vehicles be restrained in a suitable safety harness, similar to a seat belt. Protecting domestic animals from harm is a principal of the grange.

Rep. Tony Guerrera, the committee’s chairman, called it “scary” that such a law is needed.

Topics Personal Auto Connecticut