Pet Ferrets: Cute, Cuddly, Illegal

If you're in Missouri, maybe

(NEWSER) - Had Gary Korkuc not been pulled over by cops with good hearing on Sunday night, the meowing cat in his trunk might have wound up fried with the peppers and onions it was marinating in . But would that have been legal? Maybe in Missouri, writes Brian Palmer for Slate . Only a few state specifically outlaw pets as food. In New York, where Korkuc lives, people are not permitted to "slaughter or butcher" domesticated cats and dogs, but whether you can sup on them (or turn a hamster into dinner) is not explicitly stated. More»

(NEWSER) - It’s not easy being an elected official in a time of crisis, but a select few governors are having a particularly tough time. And some of them are even trying to get reelected. Politico looks at the 5 worst-off states:

• California: No surprise here. The state's issuing of IOUs is just the one item on "a list of maladies longer than its famed coastline." At least Arnold Schwarzenegger can't run for another term.

Calif. motorists can still tool around with Fido at the wheel

(NEWSER) - Californians can keep driving with pets on their laps since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have banned such behavior, reports the Sacramento Bee. The "Paris Hilton Bill," as it was named by conservatives, was one of 95 measures that the Terminator terminated over the weekend. Schwarzenegger said he is only signing what he considers "high priority" bills because of the budget delay. More»

Drivers would have to steer clear of distracting pals

(NEWSER) - California legislators are pushing a bill banning pets from drivers' laps after a national study ranked pets, along with cell phones, among the leading causes of road distractions and a cause of thousands of accidents. A bill before the state legislature will impose a fine for driving while holding dogs, cats, or other live animals, reports the San Jose Mercury News. More»

If vacation isn't vacation without Rover, consider one of these ten pet-friendly towns or your next trip

(NEWSER) - Man's best friend has become a member of the family, so why shouldn't he get a break, too? Make it fun and easy to travel with your pet by visiting one of these hound-hangout towns MSNBC recommends:

1. San Diego, CA
2. Long Beach, CA
3. Carmel, CA