The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is stressing the importance of ensuring all pets are secured in vehicles while traveling this summer. The RNC recently partnered with the city of St. John’s to emphasize the importance of pet safety in vehicles this summer. RNC Constable James Cadigan explains that while pets are not specifically mentioned in the Highway Traffic Act, they fall under different categories of obstruction, due care and attention. For example, it says that if a dog is found on a driver’s lap while driving, that would be considered obstruction and the driver could be pulled over and ticketed. Additionally, Cadigan says it’s the driver’s responsibility as a pet owner to have the necessary equipment for a pet’s safety. He says it’s not just a driving issue for the person behind the wheel, it’s a safety issue for the animal as well. He says that if a collision occurs, this pet will become a projectile, which could result in injury to the pet and others in the car.
