Animal Welfare Legislation

PETS Act

Be sure to read our article on hurricane preparation.

The response to hurricane Katrina revealed many problems in federal, state and local emergency preparedness plans. One of these problems is that no considerations were made for people with pets. Many people were forced to evacuate and leave their pets behind. Others refused to leave their pets and stayed in the path of the hurricane. Almost 4,300 animals were rescued after hurricane Katrina.

There are over 358 million pets in 63% of US households. Something must be done to consider the needs of pet owners, and prevent what happened before and after hurricane Katrina. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act would require state and local agencies to include pets in their disaster plans. The House of Representatives has already passed its version by a landslide. Now its up to the Senate.

Write South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim Demint and tell them to support S.2548, the PETS Act.

Email Jim Demint

Email Lindsey Graham