This week we move to Part 1 of a two-part series on disasters. Our Fourth Concern considers the often forgotten victims of natural disasters: non-human animals. We may recall the remarkable stories of wild animals escaping the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Domestic animals, however, are rarely as fortunate. Which is why Our Fourth Concern highlights Animals in Disasters, and offers ways you can help prevent future catastrophes for both people and pets.
Learn More About...
- The PETS Act, which offers federal disaster relief funding only to those states that include pets in their disaster response plans, was signed by President Bush in 2006. According to a recent Zogby poll, 61% of Americans say they won't leave their homes without their pets during a disaster. Approximately 600,000 animals were abandoned during Hurricane Katrina.
- Several charities that have dedicated national, and in some cases international, disaster relief response programs for animals:
- The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
- American Humane Association (AHA)
- The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
- The difficulties associated with disaster relief for animals:
- A report on developing a county-wide plan in North Carolina
- Efforts by vet students at Louisiana State University to launch a spay/neuter program
Take Action by...
- Taking the Disaster Preparedness Quiz
- Taking a few moments to help pets abandoned by Hurricane Katrina
Have an idea or comment about Animals in Disasters? Post them below.
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2 comments:
WSPA also does great things in this area, check out: http://www.wspa-usa.org/
very true lindsey... i wasn't familiar with WSPA, and I'll be sure to highlight them in the update. Anyone have any more thoughts?
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