PETA Rescuer Urges Residents to Make Plans for Caring for Animal Companions Before Disaster Strikes
For Immediate Release:
April 19, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Surrey, British Columbia — Canada is about to get a new "citizen." That's because PETA Asia veteran animal rescuer Ashley Fruno is flying a dog who was abandoned following Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami to Seattle and then driving the dog to the home of Surrey couple who are adopting her. The dog—who is believed to be 4 to 5 years old and in good health—was given to a Japanese animal rescue group when her guardian fled the country because of radiation concerns. Under Fruno's guidance, PETA was the first international animal rights organization to reach disaster-affected areas in Japan, where the group distributed supplies and searched devastated areas for signs of life. As was the case along the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, many evacuation centers in Japan barred companion animals, leaving residents with the choice of seeking safety and leaving their animals behind or remaining with their animals in unstable, dangerous homes.
"If conditions are too dangerous for you, they are too dangerous for the dog in the backyard, the cat sleeping on the front steps, and the caged hamster," says Fruno. "This dog is one of the lucky ones, but thousands of animals have yet to be rescued and adopted or reunited with their distraught guardians, whose heartache could have been prevented if emergency plans had included arrangements for animals."
While many evacuation shelters do not allow animals, many hotels do, and others will often waive their restrictions on animal guests during disasters. Residents who can't find or afford a room and don't have friends or relatives with whom the animals can stay should still take their animals with them, even if they intend to camp out or stay in the car. However, PETA cautions never to leave animals alone in a car, especially during warm weather.
For more information, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.