Are you one of those pet owners who allow your adorable dog to sit on your lap while operating a vehicle? What's the big deal you say? After all, we see clips of dog-loving celebrities doing it all the time, and it looks so cool!

Well, that is about to become a big no-no in California, if Visalia Assemblyman has it his way. Bill Maze, a Republican, has introduced a bill that if passed, will slap a $35.00 fine on anyone caught having an animal on their lap while driving a car.

Apparently Maze decided to introduce this bill to the house, after seeing some woman driving with three dogs on her lap. His reasoning was, that pets are a distraction, and that puts both motorist and their passengers at risk.

The bill AB2233 - passed the Assembly with pretty much no opposition, with a 44 - 11 vote , and will now go on to the State Assembly.

For those who love their pets, this should seem like a no-brainer, right? But the joy of cruising around town with your dog on your lap - is quite appealing for many pet-lovers. Why should the government actually make a law to keep people from doing what they like to do with their pets? After all, it's not like it is a child you have sitting on your lap. Most people know that having a child on their lap while driving is not safe and against the law.

So, why would these good folks go around with their beloved best friend on their lap and not think it too - is unsafe? Apparently, a lot of pet owners must be driving with their animals on their laps - or a potential law to prevent such - would not be in the makings.

If this bill passes, which would make it illegal to have your pet on your lap while you drive, what else will lawmakers also want to regulate? Will pet owners soon be required by law, to restrain their dogs and cats physically. We do it with our children. But, will pet-lovers see this as cruelty to animals. Because we don't think of physically restraining our children and even ourselves as cruel. In fact, we have saved many lives with the implementation of the "seat belt" laws now enforced.

Restraining our animals, during transporting them in our cars, just like we do with every other form of life which we hold dear, seems like a pretty good idea...

Should this bill pass, which would fine a driver, for joy-riding in a car - with a dog in their lap? Is restraining an animal considered cruel? Do you believe in equal rights for the safety of people and animals?

Come to think of it... who's rights are we fighting for here - peoples rights or animals rights?

What would your dog or cat - have to say about all this fuss over them?

Write On!