Congress Extending Disaster Plans to Include Pets

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

Congress called for emergency preparedness plans that include helping individuals and families with pets, under legislation sent Wednesday to President George W. Bush. It was during Hurricane Katrina that people saw the images of anguished pet owners asked to abandon their animals to gain shelter or be rescued.

The bill calls for state and local emergency preparedness plans to make provisions for families with pets and individuals with service animals. It grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to help state and local governments develop emergency and evacuation plans that take pets and service animals into account. It also authorizes some federal financial help for states establishing emergency shelters for people and their pets, and it permits FEMA to assist individuals with pets and service animals after a major disaster. Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle said the change recognizes the fact that two-thirds of U.S. households have pets.

The House passed the bill by voice vote. The Senate had passed it August.