Update [2005-9-30 18:35:17 by PoliSigh]: Please also see
txyellowdog's diary
Update [2005-9-30 17:16:2 by PoliSigh]: Cross Posted at Street Prophets
Anderson Cooper reports that 14 dogs were found shot to death in an evacuation center in Louisiana. Animal Rescuers found the bodies of 14 dogs shot to death in a Middle School. They died agonizing deaths--one had tried to run away, but was chained. I couldn't get the direct link, but the video is on CNN.com.
The St. Bernard Sheriff claims he is looking into this execution of pets left behind. He says he did not order it. People who left their dogs are hysterical--they were told they could bring them, then were ordered to evacuate the school and leave the dogs. Heartbreaking notes line the walls--telling about these dogs and asking someone to take care of them. I won't even begin to tell you what should be done to the monsters who shot these innocent pets.
Many people stayed behind in their homes because of their pets, many may have died because they could not leave them. I would have stayed with my pets.
More after the flip:
Even if you think this is silly, it is a fact that people love their animals! (If that is the case, we are even--I think you have a character flaw) Evacuations ordered in the case of Hurricane Rita were handled in a way that makes more sense--people were urged to take their animals. Provisions were made for animals at shelters.
Legislation has been introduced to deal with disasters and pets--please contact your Members of Congress to support this bill. Information from the US Humane Society describes what you can do:
But even as you read this, we know that pets -- animals who, for some reason, haven't yet made any rescue lists -- remain trapped in their homes or out on the streets. Many remain stranded or homeless for one tragic reason: Their caregivers, when forced to evacuate, were not allowed to take their pets with them. Government officials and human relief agencies did not have an emergency plan in place to accommodate people and their pets.
With your help, we can change this for future disasters: Take action NOW and ask your U.S. Representative to support the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act) to ensure relief agencies plan for pets and that a tragedy of this magnitude never happens again.
Last Thursday, Congressmen Tom Lantos (D-CA), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Barney Frank (D-MA), Don Young (R-AK), and James Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the PETS Act to ensure that in future disasters, people will not be forced to leave behind their household pets and service animals such as seeing-eye dogs, as they were in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The PETS Act requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include pets and service animals in their disaster evacuation plans. Local and state authorities must submit these plans to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With your help, we have a chance to pass this bill and save pets during future disasters:
- Take Action and urge your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 3858, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, and do everything possible to get it passed SOON.
- Spread the Word. Urge your friends and family to contact their representatives about this bill. We cannot win unless we have a large, loud majority urging our legislators to protect pets during future disasters. Click here to spread the word.
When a disaster strikes in the future, The Humane Society of the United States wants to work hand-in-hand with government responders. Animal rescue is an enormous task, and we can't do it alone.
As The HSUS and other animal groups continue to search for, rescue, and shelter animals in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, it's heartening to know that you're standing with us. Please continue your support of the animals by contacting your representative today and urging him/her to co-sponsor and unequivocally support the PETS Act so it can be adopted before Congress adjourns for the year. This law will save the lives of both pets and the people who love them.
Please, for the sake of these darling creatures, contact your legislators! No comments about how ridiculous this is or animals should be left etc.--you only make me love my animals even more.