WASHINGTON - The Humane Society of the United States today commended New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin for including pets in a new evacuation strategy for the city, saying people would be allowed to board buses with their pets as long as they were in a carrier. The HSUS will be donating a number of pet carriers to the city of New Orleans for use in future disasters.
Last year, when Hurricane Katrina left the city underwater, residents were not allowed to board buses with their pets, resulting in thousands of pet owners putting themselves in danger by delaying their evacuation or staying behind altogether to save their pets.
"The Humane Society of the United States is extremely grateful that Mayor Nagin has included animals in evacuation plans for the city during a disaster," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "The lessons of Katrina were hard, but the country has awakened to the fact that Americans love their pets and expect relief agencies to be responsive to the needs of their best friends."
The HSUS and other animal protection groups rescued more than 10,000 animals in New Orleans and surrounding areas following the hurricane.
The U.S. Congress is considering legislation that would require all local and state governments to include pets in any disaster planning. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act requires such planning for state and local agencies to receive FEMA grants. The House version of the bill (H.R. 3858) was introduced last fall by U.S. Representatives Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Chris Shays (R-CT) and passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in April. The Senate version of the bill (S. 2548) was introduced by U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ).
"Every state and local government needs to be prepared to protect its citizens in the event of a disaster, and that means including their pets, and Mayor Nagin and the state of Louisiana are taking the lead," Pacelle added.
-30-
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
