Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act makes pets part of emergency planning
SACRAMENTO, CA (August 4, 2006) – United Animal Nations, the organization that pioneered disaster relief for animals nearly 20 years ago, today commended the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing a measure that will save both human and animal lives the next time disaster strikes. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act requires state and local agencies to include provisions for people with pets or service animals to safely evacuate with their animals in the event of a disaster.
“Too many lives were lost during Hurricane Katrina because many people with pets had nowhere to go and were not permitted to bring their pets on rescue vehicles,” said UAN President and CEO Nicole Forsyth. “We applaud our senators for recognizing the important bond between people and their pets, and for delivering this decisive victory for animals and the people who care about them.”
Recent surveys show that as many as two-thirds of Americans would refuse to evacuate if they had nowhere to bring their pets. Because Red Cross shelters do not allow animals, many pet owners have limited options when disasters force them from their homes.
“With the PETS Act on its way to President Bush, there is hope that people will never be forced to make the difficult and heartbreaking decision to leave their pets behind to save their own lives,” Forsyth said.
The PETS Act was originally introduced in the House of Representatives, where it passed by a 349 to 24 vote in May. The Senate version of the bill, introduced by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey), is more comprehensive than the original bill, as it authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in developing these plans, and authorizes financial assistance for states to create emergency shelters for people with animals.
Through its volunteer-driven Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS), UAN provides free emergency sheltering and disaster relief services for animals in communities that become overwhelmed by natural disasters or other crises, as well as free disaster planning assistance. Since 1987, UAN has responded to 70 disasters, saving thousands of animal lives. UAN spent more than two months in the Gulf Region after Hurricane Katrina, deploying more than 400 volunteers to help 2,100 animals at six shelters in three states. With more than 2,600 trained EARS volunteers in the United States and Canada, UAN can respond to a crisis that puts animals at risk within 24 hours.
About UAN: Now celebrating its 20th year, United Animal Nations (UAN) is North America’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals.
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