I am surprised that anyone would travel with any animal in the car
unrestrained (but I am so guilty of it!). This was a long, long time
ago, but imagine if you will, driving down the road with a Southern
Flying Squirrel loose in the car. He used to sleep in my pocket of my
jacket. Well, that morning, he decided he was going to run across the
dashboard and then, jumped on my face. Lesson learned. When I tried
to contain him properly the next time, I learned another wonderful
lesson - smart squirrels can unzip things from the inside, even travel
pouches designed for them.

I also wanted to add - the man with the ferrets loose in the car - yes
he is being charged with careless driving. They don't say for certain
if it's because of the ferrets being loose, but I know in Michigan,
they really do seem to love handing out "careless driving" to people
who have accidents, vs other states. I was charged with reckless
driving once when braking suddenly on the highway, when all the traffic
in front of me stopped. My car skidded as the pavement was slick and
the car behind me hit me, but I did not feel it and there was no
damage. I was hit with "reckless driving" and had to pay $3000 in
fees to get it reduced to careless, which in Michigan is still a
misdemeanor, and in Michigan, it never goes away on your record (no
traffic offences can be expunged there). Am I saying he shouldn't have
been charged - no; but I know plenty of individuals from my experience
in the court, as well as friends and family, who have had to deal with
ridiculous charges. IMO it seems to be a moneymaker. I am just glad
his little ones are okay.

[Posted in FML 7159]