Alabama Ends Canine Driving Licenses After 47 Years

[kodi]

"In a landmark event ending a trademark feature of the state, Alabama Governor Bob Riley signed legislation on Friday which officially ended the practice of issuing driver's licenses to dogs.
"This is a sad day in many respects," said Riley in a press conference after the signing. "Allowing our faithful companions due and proper access to motorized vehicles has always been a hallmark of Alabama's progressive attitude, and I am deeply frustrated that Washington, D.C. has seen fit to interfere in a matter which is strictly a state concern."

"Alabama has issued driver's licenses to dogs since 1956, as part of a backlash following the Supreme Court decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional. However, dogs had been driving in Alabama since at least the 1930's.

"You know, people get busy, their hound picks up the slack," said longtime Montgomery resident and amateur historian Ernie Dubois. "Ain't no reason not to let a dog do its job. Drivin' ain't exactly hard, you know." To obtain the permits, dogs were required to pass the same driving test as everyone else. "If'n dogs can do it, and we're s'posed to give everyone a fair shot, then it stands to reason," Dubois added.

"The state was forced to end the practice by federal threats to revoke much-needed highway funds. At issue was the recent surge in canine truck drivers, who were becoming a cause for concern in neighboring states."

http://www.watleyreview.com/2003/070803-3.html