Posted on 08/06/2006 11:59:15 AM PDT by Frank T
WASHINGTON -- In the wake of haunting images of pets left behind in flooded New Orleans, the U.S. Senate passed a bill Friday requiring local and state disaster agencies to take pets and service animals into account in their emergency planning.
The Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent in the early hours before recessing for its summer break.
The House of Representatives passed a similar bill in May and differences must be worked out before the legislation is sent to President Bush.
Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, called the measure "an important step in ensuring Americans will never again be forced to make an impossibly difficult choice: leave their animal behind while they flee a disaster or take their chances by staying in a disaster-stricken area with their pet."
The Senate bill gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency authority to help develop the plans, and authorizes financial help to states to create emergency shelters for people with animals.
Thousands of people refused to evacuate because they did not want to abandon their pets when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast last year, and thousands of pets were left behind.
Well, let's keep in touch, then! I'm adding you to my Wisconsin Conservative Politics Ping List to keep track of you. You can ignore us if we're just Talking Local. ;)
And please ping me as back-up as needed to any thread. I know just enough about any subject to be dangerous, LOL!
Besides, we have to keep this Vanishing Species known as "True Conservative" ALIVE! :)
I am in Houston, in no danger from rising water and I didn't hear anyone tell me to evacuate.
Very sorry to hear that she's ill. How old is she and what ails her?
Hyperthyroid -- she has been on medication for the last 5 years.
She's 24 years old (She is coming up on 25). One of her kidneys has shut down (but the other one seems to be doing well).
There is no way she could survive he extreme radiation therapy needed to eliminate her thyroid gland.
There is a lot of good information (and prayers) on this thread I started: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1669330/posts
Please check in and maybe we can make it a thread for those who are looking at losing their beloved charges.
Thank you. I would not leave my little dog either. That might mean planning ahead, but sometimes that luxury isn't afforded. Many Katrina victims were forced into FEMA shelters (operated by the federal gubmint) and these rescuers have a strictly "no pets" policy.
Then again I can't imagine the chaos at the stadium with pets mixed into the fray. All I know is that my little dog is totally dependant on me and if she can't go, then I won't go either.
I so agree with you!
Great observation, and so true. We lost a beloved furry friend this week and it's been very hard on us. It is indeed a very unique relationship.
LOL! Revising my emergency preparedness list as we speak. :-)
I think this legislation is the answer to "would you really let HER die?":
Most people will realize the dog has to breathe and not tape the nostrils. The bad thing is that dogs cool themselves by panting. With the muzzle taped shut, the dog can't pant.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Maybe a muzzle then. I'm only talking about a short time though. Rescuers don't need a dog trying to bite them or fight to get away as they are trying to get Grandma out.
Holy moley!! I've heard of cats living past 20 years, but never this long. It seems to me that you've had 24 years of kitty blessings.
I think, though, that most people have resources where they can leave early and take their pets with them. I understand that those who were unable to leave weren't able to take their pets to a shelter with them. A sad situation.
Ageed. Then we'd get Hillary unopposed for our trouble. LOL Seems we can't win.
Check out post #66. This explains what the HSUS is all about. Also, Calpernia, did you know this big, great "animal protectionist" organization actually CHARGES schools for the curriculum material for their propaganda?
In a county here in Tennessee where I lived before moving here the local shelter (humane society) board of directors was a bunch of PETA card carrying members who paid the National HSUS to send this garbage to the local schools.
Let's check it out and see what this bill has written in that benefits the national HSUS.
PETA is a front for ALF.
HSUS is a front for PETA.
How can they get any bill promoted and passed anywhere if ALF has been declared a Domestic Terror group?
Shouldn't homeland security be investigating them?
This is yet another disgrace. I can't take much more.
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