It was the summer of 1983. Former Massachusetts governor and republican presidential nominee hopeful Mitt Romney, his wife Ann and his five sons are all packed into a white Chevy station wagon ready to embark on a 12-hour road trip from Boston to Ontario. His destination: his parents cottage on the Canadian shores of Lake Huron. This was the story as written in the Boston Globe in an extensive seven part series on the politician. But it was part four that perked up the ears of animal lovers across the country.
The story told to the Boston Globe at first appeared innocent enough, attempting to display Romneys "emotion-free crisis management." According to the Globe, before beginning the long drive, Romney put Seamus, the familys Irish setter, in a carrier and attached it to the station wagons roof. The article also stated that he had built a windshield for the carrier to "make the ride more comfortable for the dog."
According to the Globe it was Romneys oldest son, Tagg, who made a shocking discovery while on the road, a discovery that was dripping down the back of the Romney family station wagon. A brown liquid was trickling down the back window; "payback from an Irish setter whod been riding on the roof in the wind for hours" said the Boston Globe article.
The Globes article used the situation to display Romney's calm and cool demeanor. According to the piece, Romney pulled off the road into a gas station where he borrowed a hose to wash down first the car and then the dog. It was then back into the car and back onto the highway, with the large Irish setter still on the roof, to finish the lengthy drive to Ontario.
It was that exact same day that the story ran, June 27, 2007, that Time Magazines Ann Marie Cox picked up on the little anecdote Romney told to the Globe and questioned the legality of the event. Sure enough it was dubious.
According to Massachusetts animal cruelty laws it is unlawful for an owner or custodian of an animal "to carry or cause an animal to be carried in or on a vehicle in a manner that endangers the animal including transport of an improperly secured animal." Furthermore, it is unlawful "to transport an animal in the back of a motor vehicle unless the animal is properly restrained."
The fact is that this incident occurred nearly 25 years ago and even if Romneys actions were found to be unlawful, the statute of limitations has most likely passed. In Coxs article she spoke with Stacey Wolf, attorney and legislative director for the ASPCA.
"Even if it turns out to not be against the law at the time, in the district, wed hope that people would use common sense...any manner of transporting a dog that places the animal in serious danger is something that wed think is inappropriate," said Wolf in the Time article.
PETAs president Ingrid Newkirk was not as tactful concerning the event. "First, as a charity we cant and dont endorse or oppose any candidate for public office," said Newkirk in a statement. "But I can say that any individual who does something like that may have what scientists term the absence of the mirror neuron, i.e., a pin-pointable absence in the brain of the characteristic which allows the individual to feel basic compassion."
She continued, "Thinking of the wind, the weather, the speed, the vulnerability, the isolation on the roof, it is commonsense that any dog whos under extreme stress might show that stress by losing control of his bowels. If you wouldnt strap your child to the roof of the car, you have no business doing that to the family dog."
And if you are going to Travel with your Pet
According to a recent release by 4everPets, makers of natural products for dogs and cats, there are some simple rules to follow when traveling with your pet that can make your life and theirs comfortable and safe.
Whether traveling by car or plane, pet parents need to watch what they put into their pets stomach. If heading out on a road trip, feed your pet a light meal three or four hours before you leave. You should never feed your pet while in a moving car. It has the tendency to make them sick. If your pet is flying though make sure its on an empty stomach.
Long trips, by air or car, require a proper crate. Believe it or not, a familiar crate will help relax your pet. Also make sure that the crate is properly secured and in a comfortable location for your pet. 4everPets advises to never put a leash on your pet while inside the crate. This runs the risk of your pet getting tangled in it.
Especially when traveling in a car with your four-legged friend, you need to make sure you have everything that you need. Make a list before you leave that includes all supplies needed. This includes water, food, toys, bedding, and even a pet first-aid kit.
According to 4everPets, the ASPCA advises not to use sedatives or tranquilizers on your pet when traveling. They often interfere with their balance and hamper breathing.
Whenever you leave home with your pet, even if heading to the beach, it is best to make sure they are equipped with current tags or a microchip. When heading out further, current health certificates and even a recent photo are important things to carry.