JuneyTrixie
02-21-2007, 03:20 PM
One year later, new laws are aimed at protecting animals in disasters.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14353134/
On Aug. 4, just weeks before the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Senate passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which requires local and state disaster plans to include provisions for household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency. A similar bill was approved by the House in May, but the House must either adopt the Senate version which is more comprehensive or the two bills must be reconciled before going into effect.
Local authorities now realize, after many years of hearing it from the AVMA and other organizations preparing for animals in disasters, that people will risk their lives for their animals, says Cindy Lovern, a veterinarian and assistant director of scientific activities for the AVMA. In future disasters, national, state and local authorities have to consider animals when considering the evacuation of people. The two are tied together intimately.
Legislation mandating pet-friendly shelters is all well and good, but you still need a plan in case shelters are full or unavailable. The following Web sites offer information on preparing for and surviving an emergency with your animals:
ASPCA http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_emergency
American Veterinary Medical Association http://www.avma.org/disaster
Humane Society http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/
Noah's Wish http://www.noahswish.org/Disaster%20Preparedness%20Information.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14353134/
On Aug. 4, just weeks before the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Senate passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which requires local and state disaster plans to include provisions for household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency. A similar bill was approved by the House in May, but the House must either adopt the Senate version which is more comprehensive or the two bills must be reconciled before going into effect.
Local authorities now realize, after many years of hearing it from the AVMA and other organizations preparing for animals in disasters, that people will risk their lives for their animals, says Cindy Lovern, a veterinarian and assistant director of scientific activities for the AVMA. In future disasters, national, state and local authorities have to consider animals when considering the evacuation of people. The two are tied together intimately.
Legislation mandating pet-friendly shelters is all well and good, but you still need a plan in case shelters are full or unavailable. The following Web sites offer information on preparing for and surviving an emergency with your animals:
ASPCA http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_emergency
American Veterinary Medical Association http://www.avma.org/disaster
Humane Society http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/
Noah's Wish http://www.noahswish.org/Disaster%20Preparedness%20Information.htm