With hurricane season on us again we need to make sure that our nations animals
will be protected before and after a disaster.
Tragically for our pets, the
federal government will not reimburse states for the cost of
rescuing and sheltering animals, or for the cost of reuniting
them with loving families.
But the Senate is considering a
new law called the PETS bill, that acknowledges the federal governments responsibility to provide funding to help states cover the additional costs of animal shelter, care and
reunion with their families.
Please tell your U.S. Senators to support the PETS bill and help
make sure pets are cared for before, and after, a disaster!
As your constituent and a supporter of the American Humane Association, I urge you to support S. 2548, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act. This bill is an important improvement over the House-passed bill and will further efforts to make sure local governments and states will be prepared to care for animal populations when disaster strikes.
During consideration of S. 2548, it is most important that you ensure the legislation includes provisions allowing states to be reimbursed by FEMA for the costs of rescuing and sheltering family pets and service animals and reuniting them with their human families. In order for this bill to be truly effective, it not only must include animals in disaster plans, but must also provide resources that increase the ability of cities and states to meet the needs of animals during disaster. Hurricane Katrina demonstrated that the needs of animals are often integrally linked with those of their human family members. We know many families will not evacuate unless they can be assured their pets will be evacuated and sheltered.
Please support S. 2548 and insist that it contain provisions for an equitable distribution of financial assistance to states and communities for animal emergency response planning and operations. If we are to effectively prepare for emergencies, the needs of pets must be considered and resources provided to enable all states to help animals and their human family members.
Please help protect animals and the families who love and care for them. I look forward to seeing what action you will take on this very important matter.
Sincerely,
