Hey!! Lantos!!!! DGSOS!!!!!!!
By all means, take the pets. If rations run short they might make an extra meal.
This cycle of increased hurricanes may last ten to twenty years, so maybe it's time for people in at-risk areas to rethink long-range plans.
Why the heck do we need federal legislation to replace common sense?
I think it's idiotic. Many states - such as Florida - have shelters that accept pets and this is announced by officials. Pet owners can decide how important this is to them, but the rest of the world shouldn't have to wait while they "rescue" their pets and then put up with these pets in the limited shelter space. Sorry, guys, but the important thing is to save the people first.
The other point - most of the time, you're not evacuated for a very long time. Leave food and water and your pets will be fine. If not, animals are usually better than people at surviving. Your pet may outlive you.
As for larger pets, the big problem is that they tend to escape and their owners can't be found later. Have your horse chipped. Or do the simple Florida trick and paint your phone number on his side.
Gimme a break - they're animals. Animals! If one person is not evac'd or properly cared for because disaster relief agencies we're tied up caring for kitty cats, I hope there's massive lawsuits. If one person dies because of it, well...
What about the pit bulls and rotties?
Bullshit. A dog or cat or ferret is property and the logistics of this are stunning. Can you imagine the chaos. How about people take responsibility for their pets?