Driver on A361 caught cuddling dog while driving faces prosecution
Police use AI camera to catch driver with pet on lap
Drivers on the A361 in Barnstaple are being warned after a motorist was spotted driving with a pet dog in their lap.
A mobile AI-enabled camera, operated by the Devon & Cornwall Police Road Safety Team, captured the unusual on-road activity.
The driver, whose actions have been described as unsafe, has been notified by police of an intended prosecution for not being in proper control of their vehicle.
Police highlighted that driving with one hand while cuddling a pet compromises the ability to control the vehicle effectively and could result in unpredictable reactions from the dog, increasing the risk of a potential accident.
The force said on Facebook: "Our mobile AI enabled camera has been positioned on the A361 at Barnstaple recently, looking for drivers using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts.
"Despite not being specifically programmed for this, our very own 'pet detective' camera drew our attention to this driver, who was driving one-handed whilst cuddling their pet dog.
"This is clearly not a safe thing to be doing. In fact, our prosecution team got a case of the collie-wobbles when they saw it and sent the registered keeper notice of intended prosecution for not being in proper control of a vehicle.
"You might think this is ruff justice, or that we're hounding innocent motorists, but you'd be barking up the wrong tree. This driver is in the dog house for a very good reason. Not only is their control of the car compromised, but the dog could react unpredictably at any moment, resulting in a potential collision.
"When you're in your Land Rover, leave Rover in the back with a suitable restraint. If you're driving your Ferrari, keep your furbaby safe. If you've got your Shih Tzu in the car with you, don't drop yourself in the...... well, you get the message."