Did you know that facilities regulated by the federal government—like puppy mills and roadside zoos—are not actually required to have emergency response plans for the animals in their care? This means that when a calamity hits—like what Texas recently experienced with an unprecedented winter storm knocking out power and water to millions of residents—there are animals who are left behind to suffer and die. That’s unacceptable.
Although Congress passed a law after Hurricane Katrina requiring state and local authorities to consider household pets and service animals in their disaster contingency plans to be eligible for federal aid, 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. 1442, 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, H.R. 1442, 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.