Dogs Will Not Be Saved In Disaster Without Muzzle, SPCA Says
POSTED: 4:34 pm PDT October 6, 2008
LOS ANGELES -- Based on their volunteer team's recent experience working in hurricane-ravaged Galveston, Texas, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals LA gave an unusual tip to Southland pet owners Monday.
Include a muzzle in your disaster emergency safety kit, said SPCA-LA President Madeline Bernstein.
The reason is that when disaster strikes a community -- which can happen in Southern California more likely because of fires rather than hurricanes -- state sponsored rescue efforts will not allow dogs on public evacuation transportation without a muzzle, regardless of their temperament.
"Pets depend on us for their safety, food, water and more," Bernstein said. "As we've seen recently, it is imperative to have a disaster plan in place to ensure all members of the family are accounted for properly and it only takes a little advance preparation."
She also suggests that pet owners should make sure there is a supply of canned/dry pet food, bottled water and medicines the animals may need. The group also suggests pet owners learn pet resuscitation and general first aid procedures.
Other tips:
* Try not to display stress and anxiety. Most animals are very aware of their owners' emotions.
* Check pet structures and favorite hiding places for hazardous debris.
* Get a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows from the SPCA-LA, animal shelters or fire departments.
* Make sure dogs and cats have ID tags with your current address and/or phone number.
* Keep up-to-date data on your pet's vaccinations and make sure they are micro chipped.
SPCA-LA has a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its center at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd.
For more information, call 888-SPCALA-1.
