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The HSUS Urges Congress to Pass "PETS" Act to Keep People and Animals Together During Disasters

One of the problems Hurricane Katrina brought to the fore is the plight of animal victims . In response, the Human Society of the United States (HSUS) is urging Congress to enact legislation addressing the needs of these animals. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, H.R. 3858 requires state and local emergency management agencies that receive federal funding to make plans for people with pets or the disabled who rely on service animals to safely evacuate along with their animals in the event of a disaster.

The bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives after thousands of animals were abandoned during the flooding and subsequent evacuation of New Orleans.

Some states and localities have done extensive planning to coordinate with local animal care and control agencies. California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are among the states that have made significant strides in animal disaster planning and response. When Texas called for evacuations in advance of Hurricane Rita, Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas of Galveston and Governor Rick Perry were clear in stating that evacuees could bring their pets along.

"Texas officials learned the lessons of Hurricane Katrina," said HSUS president Wayne Pacelle. "Letting people bring their pets on public transportation and into specially designated pet-friendly evacuation shelters does not hamper evacuation or rescue efforts.  It speeds along rescue activities when people know they won't have to abandon their pets."

Please call or write your congressman to ask that they support the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, H.R. 3858.