New legislation won't leave pets behind in evacuation

A bill in Congress, called PETS (Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act) would ensure that states include steps for pets to be evacuated along with their families during a disaster. States that do not include such a provision would be ineligible for FEMA funding.

Hurricane Katrina showed how many people had to choose between being rescued or staying with their pets. Many elected to stay. Those who were evacuated, in some cases, were people requiring their service pets, but had to leave those animals behind. The PETS legislation would be certain such situations would never occur again.

The HSUS reports that over 4,300 pets have been rescued from New Orleans and the surrounding areas. But hundreds, if not thousands, have died. Animal rescue teams are still in the area trying to get every last animal out that they can.

Help connect owners with pets, or offer a foster home

Thousands of animals were separated from their owners during Katrina. Animal rescue teams are still in the New Orleans area trying to find pets who have miraculously survived, and trying to move those already rescued out of the area, as well as match up lost pets with their owners.

If you know of anyone who has lost a pet during the storms or who wishes to foster one, please visit the Animal Emergency Response Network message board. You will also find links to other resources and instructions on what is expected if you foster a pet.

If you would like to read a story about one rescuer who was working at the Gonzales, LA facility, go to a page on her blog: http://manchmal.diaryland.com/brillstory.html. You will understand what it has been like for the hundreds of volunteers doing the incredible work of saving animals.

Desperately need a staging place in Houston!

Pasado's Safe Haven, one of the animal rescue operations from Hurricane Katrina, is still in New Orleans trying to get as many animals out of the area as possible before Hurricane Rita hits. They are now looking frantically for a place in Houston to stage the rescue that will be needed there as well.

If you have, or know someone who has the following and would be willing to let Pasado's team use it for a few weeks, please e-mail them at PasadoRescueTexas@hotmail.com immediately.

Here is what they need:
"A triage location in Texas near to Houston with cover. Barns, riding arenas, etc. are perfect. We're seeking a farm, and property owners, who are willing to allow us to triage animals, allow rescuers to sleep there, and stage all rescues from there for up to a few weeks. PLEASE find someone to help us!"

Thank you for any help you can offer!

You can help the rescuers

For some first-hand coverage on the animal rescue in New Orleans, visit the Web site for Pasado's Safe Haven. What they are doing is incredible.

I tried to get down there to help for a week and kept hitting dead-ends. There is no place to stay, and now airfares are outrageous. It is also taking about 16 hours to get to either New Orleans or Baton Rouge by air. I tried to rent an RV or a mini-van (to sleep in) and nothing is available anymore.

But anyone who can go, or donate, please visit the site. They are very honest in what it takes to volunteer.

Pets hit by Katrina too

AnimalPlanet.com reports that thousands of animals have been killed by hurricane Katrina, and more are in need of rescue.

Organizations in the middle of the relief effort and in need of donations are:
Human Society of US
United Animal Nations
American Humane Association
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Not only domestic pets but zoo animals, cattle and wildlife are in danger. To read the story or to link to a relief effort, visit the Animal Planet story.