Animals were at the forefront of discussion Friday at Jefferson City's Public Safety Committee.
Two separate issues regarding the safety and shelter of animals in the city were discussed at the meeting, which was hosted at the Jefferson City Fire Department's training facility at Hyde Park.
One of the issues discussed came from a public comment made by animal activist Joe Wilson. His request was to revive a bill that the city's legal department had helped him craft that would make it illegal to transport a dog or any other animal on a public roadway in a motor vehicle unless the animal is safely enclosed within the vehicle or in a device designed to carry animals.
"Basically, what I am saying is it is preventive ways to keep them from coming out of the back of trucks," Wilson said. "I don't say this because of a one-time incident. I have personally seen theses things happen three times, and it is quite shocking."
Immediately, committee member and 2nd Ward Councilman Rich Koon had questions about the proposed ordinance.
"I used to ride around and my dog was hanging his head out of the back of my Ford Explorer all of the time," Koon said. "Now he could have jumped out of that window any time he wanted. So would I be pulled over and ticketed because my dog could jump out of my Ford Explorer?"
Wilson indicated that such an act would be deemed illegal, prompting Koon to state that he will oppose such a bill.
Committee chairman and 1st Ward Councilman Mike Harvey said that while the bill might need some work from the legal department, he saw no reason why such a bill shouldn't be at least considered.