IL Dems Propose Legislation That Would Ban Driving With Your Dog

While there are much more serious issues to deal with, like the state’s financial crisis and Chicago’s exploding crime wave, Illinois legislators have decided to focus on the burning issue of driving with dogs.

Proposed legislation would make it illegal in Illinois for dogs to get behind the wheel of a car.

 Dogs in the driver’s seat — on their owners’ laps — is a dangerous
but common habit, said state Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago), co-sponsor of
the bill.

“Because I travel, I can’t help but observe the number of people with
dogs on their laps,” he said. “It is a public safety concern. If a
driver is distracted, certainly it would be a risk to other motorists on
the road.”

Under the proposed law, getting caught with a pet in the driver’s
seat would carry a $25 fine, though a motorist couldn’t get pulled over
unless committing another driving violation.

For now, however, it seems lap dogs will have their day. Though it
cleared a transportation committee, the legislation faces overwhelming
opposition as it heads to the House floor, said bill co-sponsor, Rep.
Dan Beiser (D-Alton).

Chicago recently ranked last, along with  Los Angeles and New York City in terms of federal gun law enforcement in 2012, according to a new report.

Federal gun crimes include illegal possession of a firearm in a school
zone, illegal sale of a firearm to a juvenile, felon, or drug addict,
and illegal transport of a firearm across state lines. In Chicago, the
majority of gun charges last year were for firearms violations.

No doubt Chicago will be much better at enforcing the law against dogs behind the wheel.