Update: As the COVID-19 crisis escalates, we are asking Congress to act quickly on the PREPARED Act. This critical legislation is urgently needed at a moment like this when facilities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act -- like puppy mills, research facilities, and roadside zoos -- are facing severe staff shortages that could leave the animals in their care vulnerable to neglect and/or abandonment. We must act now to ensure these animals are not forgotten during this time of crisis.
After Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed a law requiring state and local authorities to consider household pets and service animals in their disaster contingency plans to be eligible for federal aid—but this law does not apply to commercially owned animals held in puppy mills, research facilities, zoos, circuses and other businesses, institutions and enterprises covered by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
The Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters (PREPARED) Act, H.R. 1042, will address the needs of these animals!
The PREPARED Act will require facilities regulated under the AWA to submit annual disaster preparedness plans to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and outline specific instructions for various emergency situations.
Urge your U.S. Representative to cosponsor the PREPARED Act today.
TAKE ACTION
Please make a brief, polite phone call now to your U.S. Representative. Look up your legislator's phone number. You can say, "Please cosponsor the PREPARED Act if you haven’t yet, and do all you can to get it enacted quickly. This simple and smart reform will ensure that animals in puppy mills, zoos, laboratories and other commercial facilities subject to the Animal Welfare Act are protected during disasters."
Calling is so important; please do not skip this crucial step. After making your call, please use the form below to send a follow-up message. Be sure to edit your message so it stands out.