Pet Evacuation Bill Passes
A bill that requires local and state emergency preparedness
offices to consider the needs of pet owners, pets and service
animals when they formulate emergency plans easily passed the
U.S. House of Representatives in May.
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act was
introduced shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck late last
August. Legislators were spurred to action after many residents
refused to leave their homes without their pets.
Under House Resolution 3858, also known as the PETS Act,
emergency offices that fail to provide for pets would not
qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A Senate version of the bill, introduced in April, was referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Senate Bill 2548 not only mandates that pets be included in
disaster preparations but also authorizes funding for planning,
leasing and construction of emergency shelter facilities for
pets and people with pets.
Several states and local governments also are considering
bills to provide for pets during emergencies. [August 2006
PET AGE]
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