Congressional bills to address the evacuation of companion animals and service animals during disasters.

House of Representatives  BIll 3858  Passed 5-22-06 by 349-24 vote  (Louis Gohmert voted against)

Senate Bill 2548 is to be voted on. 

June 1st statements at "Animals in Disaster" conference, sponsored by HSUS:

 HSUS:  60% of US households have pets, 358 million animals

 Ron Dehaven, head of USDA, in charge of Animal Welfare: "In one poll, 50% of pet owners said they would refuse to evacuate without their pets."

 (USDA is drafting regulation for commercial breeders, dealers, exhibitors and research facilities to have formal plans for disaster care) "Clearly,

 emergency efforts have to address companion animals." 

 George Foresman, Homeland Security, Undersecretary for Preparedness:  "People are not going to leave unless they can take their pets with them or be

 assured of their care.  Animals are an imprtant part of lives everyday"

 Please call, email and write your Senators to encourage them to cosponsor and support Senate Bill 2548.  Pass the information onto friends and family.

 Kay Hutchison                                                                        John Cornyn

http://hutchison.senate.gov/                                                      http://cornyn.senate.gov/

US Senate                                                                               US Senate

284 Russell Senate Office Building                                            517 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington DC  20510-0001                                                    Washington DC  20510-0001

(202) 224-5922                                                                        (202) 224-2934

Sample letter or email:

Dear Senator__________,

During disasters, people with pets may risk their lives, rather that be forced to abandon a beloved companion.  While they may be dependent on the rescuers for their own welfare, they are lovingly faithful to the pets that depend upon them.  Lives were lost during the recent hurricanes because pets were refused rescue and/or sanctuary.

In recent poles, 50% plus of pet owners say they would not leave a pet behind.  Please co-sponsor and support the PETS Act (SB 2548) and do everything you can to insure its passage. 

Sincerely,

Let's spend a little time getting this info around.  Shelby County was impacted in many ways by Katrina and Rita, including the animal evacuation problems and is likely to be in an evacuation corridor in the future....call, write and email!