Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves
For
Immediate Release:
August
28, 2012
Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382
Mobile, Ala. -- Since Hurricane Isaac poses a serious threat to your area, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of companion animals during flooding or evacuations. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, birds, and other companion animals who need to be included in disaster-preparedness plans:
- Have your animals microchipped and put secure, legible ID tags on them.
- During a flood, never leave your animals outdoors, tied up, or confined in any way, as they will be trapped and unable to flee rising waters. (Please click on the hyperlinks to see photos of dogs who were left outside during past storms.)
- In the event of an evacuation, never leave your animals behind to fend for themselves.
- Know your emergency destination ahead of time. Although human shelters often refuse animals, motels in the area will probably accept dogs, cats, and other small animals in an emergency. Do not plan to leave animals unsupervised in a car—they can suffer from heatstroke once ambient temperatures rise above 70 degrees, even if water is present and the windows are slightly open. Animals can also be stolen out of parked vehicles.
- Place small animals in secure carriers and keep dogs on a leash. Frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings might make them bolt. Take water and food bowls, a favorite toy, a blanket, a towel, and enough food for at least a week.
- Watch for other animals in need, including strays and animals who are left behind by neighbors. If you see an animal in distress and are unable to help, note the animal's condition and location and call authorities for help as soon as possible.
A copy of PETA's brand-new disaster-preparedness public service announcement featuring defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis of the New Orleans Saints is available to link to or download here.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.