NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal welfare group, applauded a new bill signed Friday by Governor Rod Blagojevich, ensuring that emergency planners in Illinois will be better prepared to help pets and service animals in a disaster situation. The bill, H.B. 4804, was introduced by state Rep. Art Tenhouse (R-93). It requires that the Illinois emergency operations plan take into account the needs of those with pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.
There are over 358 million pets in the United States residing in 63 percent of American households. Before Hurricane Katrina, many state and federal laws did not include arrangements for pets in disaster plans and thousands of pets and owners were separated. Now, officials are taking note so the scenario is not repeated. A recent Zogby International poll found that 61 percent of pet owners say they would refuse to evacuate if they could not take their pets with them. President Bush, when asked what he would take if faced with a Katrina-sized disaster, responded that he would take the First Family's dog Barney.
"Disaster can strike at any time and any place," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "As we learned from Hurricane Katrina, every family must have a disaster plan that includes their pets. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets. We applaud Illinois lawmakers for taking steps to ensure that when disaster strikes, no pet will be left behind."
Similar laws have passed in California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont and a resolution passed in New Mexico. On the federal level, President Bush signed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act in October 2006, which requires the inclusion of companion animals in disaster planning at the state and local levels and authorizes FEMA to assist with disaster plans for pets and service animals.
Virginia, Washington, Connecticut, Arizona and Texas have similar bills pending for the 2007 legislative year.
For more information on disaster preparedness for pets, visit www.hsus.org/disaster.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 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.
The Central States Regional Office is based in Naperville, Illinois and serves Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.
