NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a bill to do away with the state's leash law for dogs and cats while being transported in vehicles.

The governor's office announced Wednesday that he had signed the bill sponsored by Rep. Pat Marsh of Shelbyville and fellow Republican Sen. Steve Southerland of Morristown.

The proposal was greeted with howls by House members when it came up for a vote there. It passed both chambers unanimously.

The new law nearly eliminates a little-known leash or restraint requirement for any dog or cat in transport. That rule will now only apply to animals that might have rabies.