Pets Abandoned in New Orleans

Although it's illegal in the State of Louisiana to abandon a pet, federal evacuation authorities are demanding evacuees leave their companion animals behind. While rescue efforts continue to focus on saving human lives, domestic pets are being left behind to fend for themselves in the disease-ridden streets of New Orleans.

As victims are relocated to safer shelters, their heartbreaking stories are working their way into the media. One young boy recounts how a police officer took his dog from his arms and informed him pets could not be saved. A 34-year-old nurse, upon meeting with a long-awaited rescue boat, says she was forced to choose between bringing her husband's life-saving medicines and her dogs.

Psychiatrists from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) are sharply criticizing federal authorities, stating victims are being further traumatized. Founded in 1985, PCRM encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research" The evacuation process is already slow and difficult. It is only more painful when evacuees are forced to leave their animals behind, condemning them to a slow death by dehydration," said PCRM ethnologist Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D.

Pet owners following pet emergency guidelines posted on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) web site are especially devastated. According to FEMA, pets should always be taken with the family and included in any disaster planning. "If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you," the site states. "Pets are unlikely to survive on their own."

Although pet owners have a responsibility to evacuate their animals, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) warns:"Once the disaster is imminent, if the only way out is by official rescue transport, emergency officials may not allow you to take your pets when they bring you out."

HSUS, the nation's largest animal protection organization, offers the following proactive advice for pet owners:

* If you evacuate, do not leave your pets behind. Pets cannot survive alone, and you may not be able to find them when you return to your home.

* Securely fasten an up-to-date identification tag on your pet's collar. If possible, also include the address and/or telephone number of the site you will be evacuating to. Carry a photo of your pet with you for identification purposes.

* Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pets so they won't escape.

* For public health reasons, most emergency shelters will not accept pets. Call ahead to motels and hotels in safe areas to find out if they will allow you to bring your pets. Work with the hotel manger to get "no pets" policies temporarily lifted.

* If you and your pet can't stay together after you evacuate, contact friends, family, veterinarians and boarding kennels in safe areas to arrange for foster care. Send medicine, medical records, food, feeding information and other supplies with your pet.

* Be sure to pack a week's worth of food and water for both you and your pet. If you have a cat, you'll need litter and a litter pan. Also remember to take a can opener, food dishes and any medication your pet might need.

* Don't wait until the last minute to evacuate if you have animals.

* Keep a list of emergency phone numbers (vet, animal control, Red Cross, etc.) accessible.

To receive a free brochure on how to prepare your pets for disasters, send a business-size self-addressed, stamped envelope, to:

The HSUS
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037