Smite Me! » Alert Archive (2006a)

—– Original Message —–
From: Michael L., Care2 Animal Welfare Alerts - animalwelfare [at] care2.com
Date: 23 Jun 2006 12:40:54 -0700
Subject: Make Sure Pets Get Home Safely

Take Action Today!

Tragically for our pets, when disaster strikes the federal government will not reimburse states for the cost of rescuing and sheltering animals, or for the cost of reuniting them with loving families. Please help make sure pets are cared for before, and after, a disaster!

Read the Petition Text

With hurricane season on us again we need to make sure that our nation’s animals will be protected before and after a disaster.

Please tell your U.S. Senators to support the PETS bill and help make sure pets are cared for before, and after, a disaster >>

go.care2.com/e/lfS/M3/qBhr

Responding to the need for better plans to deal with animals during disasters, Congress introduced bills in both houses. The House of Representatives passed a bill that would ensure that all states take into account the needs of animals when drawing up emergency and evacuation plans, but it does not provide any funding to increase shelter capacity, or states to be reimbursed for actions taken to protect animal life.

The Senate version of the PETS bill is an important improvement over the House version. This bill acknowledges the federal government’s responsibility to provide funding to help states and localities cover the additional costs of animal shelter, care and reunion. Without federal funding, states will be unable to put into place the systems of care and recovery we know are needed to provide for the needs of families with pets. It is vital that the Senate approve legislation that would require the federal government to reimburse states for the costs of rescuing and sheltering animals and reuniting them with their human families.

Please contact your Senators and urge them to make sure the final version of the PETS Act provides funding to increase America’s ability to protect animals when disaster strikes >> go.care2.com/e/lfS/M3/qBhr

Sincerely,

Michael Lawley,
Care2 and ThePetitionSite team

Thank you for signing up to receive Animal Welfare Alerts via ThePetitionSite or Care2 website! Your email address has not been bought from other sources. If you learned something interesting from this newsletter, please forward it to your friends, family and colleagues.

Care2.com, Inc.
275 Shoreline Drive, Suite 150
Redwood City, CA 94065
www.care2.com

—– Original Message —–
From: Fred O’Regan, International Fund for Animal Welfare - fred [at] ifaw1.org
Date: Jun 19, 2006 5:00 PM
Subject: Tell Congress not to leave pets behind

International Fund for Animal Welfare June 19, 2006

Tell Congress not to leave pets behind

When a natural disaster strikes, pets are often the forgotten victims. Animals are often lost or owners are forced to leave them behind during mandatory evacuations.

Throughout IFAW’s hurricane relief efforts last year to rescue the animals left behind in the wake of Katrina, we were continuously humbled by our encounters with survivors who risked everything to protect and reunite with their pets.

From tales of incredible determination and courage, to stories of hope and perseverance, our animal rescue workers have been extremely privileged to be a part of so many extraordinary examples of the bond between humans and animals that clearly illustrate the compassion people have for their pets during the most difficult of times.

And now you can help make sure no more pets needlessly suffer in the next natural emergency.

Urge Your Senator to Pass the PETS Act

Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced S. 2548, legislation entitled “PETS” (The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act). This much needed bipartisan legislation would require anyone who accepts federal emergency funding to include pets and service animals in their disaster evacuation plans.

The House has already passed their version of this bill (HR. 3858) and with the 2006 hurricane season now underway, animals need your help today to push this senate bill forward.

Please contact your federal senator today and urge him or her to cosponsor and strongly support the PETS Act, S. 2548. Click here to send an email directly to your senator.

Not only do pets need to be rescued for their own sake, but also for the sake of their owners who may have already lost their homes and their possessions. The survival of animals often plays a critical part in the rebuilding of communities and people’s lives.

Thank you for taking the time to speak out on behalf of pets.

Sincerely,

Fred O’Regan

P.S. You can also help support the campaign to pass the PETS bill by making a contribution to IFAW today.

All gifts to IFAW represent a contribution to IFAW’s entire mission. Donations will be used where they are most needed to help animals.

Worried about Donating online?

I used to be too … so I made sure our online system is safe, secure, and state-of-the-art. It also eliminates check-processing costs, so more money goes directly to saving animals. But if you prefer to donate by phone or mail, simply click here for address information.

PO Box 193 • 411 Main Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
www.ifaw.org

—– Original Message —–
From: In Defense of Animals - takeaction [at] idausa.org
Date: Jun 16, 2006 6:19 PM
Subject: Disaster Preparedness Today

Dear Animal Friend,

Months have passed since Hurricane Katrina shook the Gulf Coast. Along with the rest of the country, we at IDA were shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastation of this storm, which was the largest and most damaging in American history. The thousands who lost family members to the storm, including many beloved companion animals, are still in our thoughts. In the aftermath, countless animals were left homeless, abandoned, and in dire need. Starving and traumatized, suffering from illnesses and injuries, the animals in New Orleans and other storm-hit areas depended on IDA and other caring individuals and organizations for desperately needed help.

Thanks to the generous support of our members, IDA’s Project Hope rescue team was among the first on the ground after the storm hit and among the last to leave after the storm laid waste to the area. Our humane trapping efforts allowed us to rescue hundreds of animals who are now in loving homes, and we saved many more animals from dying of starvation or thirst by maintaining outdoor feeding stations. The hurricane’s devastation shows us how important it is for guardians to plan ahead for the safety of animal companions in case of emergency.

With hurricane season just around the corner, it is important to consider the following: Do you know what you would do if disaster struck? Where would you take your animals? Do you have enough food and water stored away? Who would check on your animals if you were away from home during a disaster?

Your animal friends’ lives could depend on your answers to these questions.

Please take some time to make a disaster plan TODAY. Click here for more information.

I thank you once again for your generosity and commitment to ending the suffering and abuse of innocent animals.

Respectfully,

Elliot M. Katz, DVM
President, IDA

Here are four powerful ways you can help animals right now.

For the safety of yourself and those who depend on you, be sure to have an action plan in place should disaster strike your area.

Make a generous donation to IDA. Your gift will enable IDA’s rescue team to be a first responder in the next emergency.

Pass this message along to friends and family to make sure they are able to keep their loved ones out of harm’s way.

Urge your Senators to support the Pets Evacuation and Transportation (PETS) Act that would require state and local disaster preparedness plans funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to include provisions for the evacuation of animal companions.

P.S. I urge you to act today. Please contact your Senators, educate others, and send as generous a donation to IDA as you possibly can. For all our animal friends, I thank you.

If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for In Defense of Animals Action Center.

In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel.: +1 415 388 9641 Fax: +1 415 388 0388 ida [at] idausa.org

—– Original Message —–
From: American Rivers Outreach - outreach [at] americanrivers [dot] org
Date: Jun 14, 2006 2:23 PM
Subject: Good Riddance MRGO

June 14, 2006

At long last, Congress has turned tough talk into action on the notorious Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO).

After destroying coastal wetlands that could have served as a protective natural buffer during Hurricane Katrina, and acting as a “hurricane highway” that funneled the storm surge and breached levees in New Orleans neighborhoods, the MRGO is finally on its way to being gone.

This week, the Congress agreed to a plan championed by Senators Landrieu (D-La.), Vitter (R-La.), Inhofe (R-Ok.), and Jeffords (I-Vt.) that will close the MRGO and require the restoration of wetlands devastated by its construction and operation (Click here to read our press release www.americanrivers.org/site/R?i=qfkri93bQfgCZyR63TmQAQ..). A report from the Corps on final closure and restoration is due in 18 months.

While this action comes too late for New Orleans flooding victims in St. Bernard Parish and the Lower Ninth Ward, at least the MRGO won’t continue to wreak havoc on Louisiana’s dwindling wetlands and the people who count on the coastal buffer zone to lessen the damage from powerful storms.

American Rivers is proud to have joined a number of community, conservation, and governmental leaders who pushed for the closure of the misguided Corps of Engineers shipping channel that did little but worsen the Katrina tragedy. As always, we thank you, our dedicated supporters for helping to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Rebecca R. Wodder
President

Click here to forward this message to a friend.
www.americanrivers.org/site/R?i=ri-vM7J3NySG5mXTXPxdoA..

———————————————–

To contact American Rivers, email us at outreach [at] americanrivers [dot] org.

—– Original Message —–
From: DawnWatch - news [at] dawnwatch [dot] com
Date: Jun 8, 2006 6:30 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: Wall Street Journal front page of emergency evacuation with pets 6/8/06

The Thursday, June 8, Wall Street Journal has a front page story headed, “In Case of Disaster, Mr. Milelli Has Plans For You and Your Dog.”

It opens:

“Moved by the images of teary residents who resisted leaving their flooded homes after Hurricane Katrina because they couldn’t take their pets with them, Paul Milelli hit upon a plan to shelter man and beast together in public schools.

“‘Pets and people in our minds have to go together,’ says Mr. Milelli, Palm Beach County’s director of Public Safety. ‘It undermines our efforts to get vulnerable people out of harm’s way if they don’t want to leave Fifi or Fido behind.’

“But Mr. Milelli and other emergency managers are finding that placing loved pets with their owners under one roof isn’t easy. Palm Beach County’s school board recently refused to participate in his plan for so-called pet-friendly shelters because it feared lawsuits. The concern: Pet dander would get into a ventilation system, trigger an asthma attack or other allergic reaction in a student or school staff member long after a storm has passed.”

The article notes people who would not leave without their pets, or even died trying to save them.

We read:

“Congress is drafting bills that would require states to draw up plans to shelter animals or risk losing federal disaster funding. One bill has already passed the House.”

And:

“Craig Fugate, Florida’s director of emergency management, says that not having a place for pets ultimately means that people will get hurt. ‘When we have to go door by door searching for people who didn’t leave their homes because of their pets, it’s not a pet issue — it’s a people issue,’ he says.

“But there are practical challenges on the ground to animal sheltering. Red Cross shelters, citing health and hygiene reasons, have never allowed people to bring pets with them.”

Those in New York should know that Mayor Bloomberg ended the likelihood of their evacuating easily with their animals:

“The New York City Transit Authority recently ran into a political storm after it proposed policy changes allowing New Yorkers to board subway trains and buses with their dogs and cats if an emergency evacuation of the city is ordered. Mayor Michael Bloomberg immediately attacked the idea. ‘We have to evacuate human beings,’ he said at a news conference late last month. ‘And that is where our priority has to be.’”

The rest of the article focuses on the challenge of finding appropriate pet shelter buildings in Florida. You can read it on line at tinyurl.com/pprf2. That link should work for the next seven days for those who do not subscribe to the Wall Street Journal.

The article, particularly with its front page placement, provides a great opportunity for animal friendly letters to the editor. The Wall Street Journal takes letters at wsj.ltrs [at] wsj [dot] com

Always include your full name, address, and daytime phone number when sending a letter to the editor. Shorter letters are more likely to be published.

Or you can thank the journalist, Robert Block, at bobby.block [at] wsj [dot] com

Yours and the animals’,
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi
If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

—– Original Message —–
From: DDAL Action Alerts - LegInfo [at] ddal [dot] org
Date: Jun 8, 2006 1:54 PM
Subject: Doris Day Animal League: E-Newsletter, June 2006

Preparing For the Worst

With the official start of Hurricane Season on June 1st, many people have begun to plan for catastrophic storms, and so has the federal government. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act), which requires local and state authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in the event of a disaster. While the Senate has yet to pass the bill, Louisiana’s state senate has introduced the “Emergency Preparedness Bill” to provide a disaster operation plan for service animals and household pets. Of course, a personal disaster preparedness plan is the first line of defense for you loved ones, both human and animal.

Visit the DDAL Web site for more information on animal disaster preparedness and the PETS Act.

Doris Day Animal League

The Doris Day Animal League was founded in 1987. Its overriding mission is to reduce the pain and suffering of non-human animals, to encourage the spaying and neutering of companion animals, and to increase the public’s awareness of its responsibility toward non-human animals through legislative initiatives, public and membership education, and programs to require the enforcement of statutes and regulations which have already been enacted protecting animals. Contact us at 227 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Suite 100, Washington DC 20002. PH: (202) 546-1761; FAX: (202) 546-2193; EMAIL: info [at] ddal [dot] org.

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Jun 3, 2006 3:38 PM
Subject: For Shannon Moore, In Our Prayers
To: 3 KINSHIP CIRCLE

Permission to cross-post

Our colleague and friend Shannon Moore has ended her life. For any in the Gulf Coast trenches — at your computer or wading through the muck — Shannon was alongside you in some way. Her dedication was unsurpassed.

Please keep Shannon and her family in your prayers.

Candlelight Site
www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=shann

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: ARNewOrleans [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2006
Subject: Shannon Moore

www.AnimalRescueNewOrleans.com/

We are all deeply saddened by Shannon’s death and our thoughts are with her, Robert and their families.

We are all shocked by Shannon’s death. The only thing we can do now is to honor her memory and continue the work that was her passion.

We don’t know where Shannon will be buried or if there will be a local service for her — we’re assuming there will be some type of memorial at least.

As sad as we all are we have kittens and dogs to care for and being around the animals is somehow comforting, knowing at least we can help them. We are very concerned for everyone affected since no one can easily handle the shock, grief, guilt, sorrow, and other emotions bound to emerge as we deal with this loss.

I know you will keep Shannon and Robert and her family in your thoughts.

Shannon will be remembered and her loss will be felt for a very long time.

Robin Beaulieu
Assistant Director
Animal Rescue New Orleans

Charlotte Bass Lilly
Executive Director
Animal Rescue New Orleans

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I Forgot To Tell You…

June 3, 2006

Dearest Shannon,

Today I awoke in a sun-filled room. I’d dreamed about my trip to New Orleans to finally meet you and stay in your home. In that hazy rift between sleep and wakefulness, I did not remember you were gone.

I forgot to tell you: When we worked on Louisiana’s Pet Evacuation Bill materials, you were so patient and kind. I was the stress machine. You thanked me many times for the PSAs, releases, and letter campaigns. That was your way, at least with me… I began to look forward to our conversations. Because, as women do, we’d passed from “professional” to personal. A bond had formed. I miss you Shannon and have this insane urge to call you.

I forgot to tell you: Thank you for your help when my puppy, rescued from a Missouri puppy mill, came home with a parvo-like condition, coccidia, giardia, and two little legs with missing bones. While Mandy was hospitalized on IV fluids, you called and called. You consulted your veterinarian uncle for advice. You were just there, unconditionally and completely. I wish you could see Mandy now. She is a spastic fluffball. We call her the walking “hair-do.”

I forgot to tell you: We were kindred spirits, you and I, with that precarious dose of passion and pain. Needing approval, but forging ahead, obsessively so. The last time we talked at length, I wanted to share a hundred more stories. You were a comfortable ear. I could open up, as you did with me. I don’t connect easily. I grieve the friendship we lost and the one that would have grown.

For you Shannon, that line between valor and sorrow was thinly etched. People who practice compassion — not on a whim, but as their core – waken to daily questions: Can I save just one? How many can I speak for today? The fragile heart feels too much. Sees too much. Hears too much. Empathy gives way to anger and confusion. To experience the fear and pain of infinite animals can break the soul. Without a lifeline, isolation becomes unbearable.

I can never know the depth of your despair in those final hours Shannon. Like many who knew you, I am plagued with a thousand What-If’s. I do know the world has lost an imperfect angel. A gentle spirit who could no longer find reason for hope.

Sleep among angels, sweet Shannon. And bring your love to the animals we couldn’t save…

I know you’d think this letter is a mush-fest and it would probably embarrass you. But the thing is, I forgot to tell you how much I cared.

Your friend,

Brenda

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ANIMAL LAW COALITION
IN MEMORIAM: SHANNON MOORE
Best Friends Article
network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/4553.html

June 2, 2006

It is appropriate that the Louisiana Pet Evacuation bill, S.B. 607, has passed the state Senate unanimously without debate, as it should have. What is not appropriate is that SHANNON MOORE has died. Shannon, founder of Save our Pets and volunteer for other animal rescue groups, worked hard for the passage of this bill. She organized the rally on the Capitol steps that took place the day before the bill was first heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The picture that accompanies this story is of Shannon’s dog at the rally. I remember she was so excited that a Best Friends Animal Society photographer had captured her dog at that moment.

Shannon worked on other fronts to organize support for this bill. She rallied rescue groups. She asked me and many others to help with a letter writing campaign she had started to generate support for the bill from the Judiciary Committee, the governor and the Finance Committee. Many of you may have used her sample letter posted on this site to write your own appeals for the Louisiana senators and governor to support this bill.

We will greatly miss her voice as this bill now goes to the Louisiana state House Judiciary Committee.

You may not know that Shannon was herself a Katrina survivor. She lost all of her possessions in Katrina. Though she had lost her home, she rescued and found homes for numerous stranded or abandoned animals in the aftermath of Katrina. At the time of her death Shannon and her organization were caring for literally hundreds of Katrina kittens. Shannon is another of the heroes, the unsung heroes, of Katrina.

If you can help Shannon’s kittens, write me and I will put you in touch with her organization.

As for the bill, for Shannon, for the animals, please write the House Judiciary members below and urge their support. Another hurricane season has begun. There is no more time.

A hearing is scheduled for June 8. Rep. Jack Smith is the bill’s sponsor in the House. A copy of the bill is in our Resources section and for more information on the bill, go to
network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/3544.html ;
network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/4152.html

For more information on Shannon’s rally in support of the bill and the emotional hearing that followed, go to:
network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/2477.html

Thank you, Laura

The address for the House Judiciary Committe is:
P.O. Box 94062 (900 North Third Street)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804

Toomy, Joseph F.
Carter, Robert J. “Robby”
Burns, Timothy G.
Burrell, Roy
Dartez, Carla Blanchard
Dorsey, Yvonne
Farrar, Rick
Faucheux, Jr., Robert R.
Gallot, Jr., Richard “Rick”
Greene, Hunter
Hebert, Troy
LaBruzzo, John
Powell, Mike
Richmond, Cedric
Romero, Errol “Romo”
Smiley, Jr., M.J. “Mert”
White, Mack “Bodi”
Salter, Joe R.

************************************

Caring about innocent animals caught in Katrina’s wrath doesn’t diminish human suffering. It makes us human.

************************************

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Make sure “To” and “From” lines from our original alert are in your email, LIKE THIS:

—–Original Message—–
From: Kinship Circle
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 11:34 AM
To: 7. KINSHIP CIRLE Animal Disaster Relief List
Subject: [GULF COAST] Volunteers Still Needed in New Orleans

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

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BEAR WITNESS. SPEAK. DEMAND. ACT.
Kinship Circle - Action Campaigns I Literature I Voice For Animals
Nonprofit animal advocacy group working in animal disaster relief and campaigns
Brenda Shoss, president: info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
www.KinshipCircle.org

Kinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
We accept online donations at:
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We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: PETA - newsmanager [at] peta.org
Date: Jun 2, 2006 4:34 PM
Subject: Weekly E-News: Protecting Your Pets; Welch’s Big Announcement

Hurricane Season: Have a Plan for Your Companion Animal

When Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast last year, thousands of animals were left in death traps that they couldn’t escape. PETA’s rescue teams saw animals who were clinging to trees surrounded by toxic floodwaters, swimming madly toward rescuers who were not permitted to rescue them, and pacing, stranded, and left to die on rooftops and balconies. The nation watched as our animal companions—who rely on humans for their safety—were abandoned.

We must learn from these tragedies. The 2006 hurricane season is here. Take a moment to review the important tips below and make sure that you and your neighbors are ready for what may hit this season.

Make Your Animal’s Safety a Priority: Be Prepared!

We encourage everyone to take a few minutes while conditions are secure to plan ahead and make arrangements for their animal companions’ safety in the event of natural disasters. The following are five disaster tips that you should know and tell others:

1. Do not leave animals behind. There is no way of knowing what may happen to your home while you are away, and you may not be able to return for days or even weeks. Animal companions left behind may become malnourished, dehydrated, or crushed by collapsing walls. They may drown or escape in fear and become lost.

2. Know your destination ahead of time. Shelters often do not accept animals, but motels in the area will probably accept dogs, cats, and other small animals in an emergency. Call destinations in advance, and find out which ones will accommodate you and your animals.

3. Place small animals in secure carriers. Dogs should be leashed with harnesses. Take water and food bowls, a towel, and enough food for a week.

4. All animals should have collars with identification. Make sure that you have a current photo of your animal companion for identification purposes, just as you would have for a child.

5. If you absolutely must leave your animal companions behind, leave them inside the house, with access to upper floors. Leave out at least 10 days’ supply of dry food and water. Fill multiple sinks, bowls, pans, and plastic containers with water. Do not turn animals loose outside to fend for themselves, and never tie them up or leave them outside in cages, where they will be unable to flee rising floodwaters.

Preparing a step-by-step advance plan for the entire family will help to ensure the safety of all your loved ones in case of emergency.

You Can Help!
Last year, in Katrina’s aftermath, PETA staff members worked tirelessly to rescue more than 300 abandoned animals in New Orleans. This year, PETA will be providing vital support and information to areas expected to be hit worst by predicted disasters, so that animals won’t have to wait for a rescue that may never come.

This email was sent by:
PETA
501 Front St Norfolk, VA, 23510
United States

—– Original Message —–
From: DawnWatch - news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: Jun 1, 2006 4:24 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: USA Today, NY Times and CNN on pet emergency evacuation 6/1/06

As hurricane season approaches, the newspapers carry articles about emergency evacuation. This year, after the tragedy of Katrina, some of those articles focus on pets, a few covering the four-day National Conference on Animals in Disaster, organized by the Humane Society of the United States, being held in Washington DC this week.

The Thursday, June 1, edition of USA Today, has a front page story headed, “Is everyone ready?; Nine months after Hurricane Katrina blasted the Gulf Coast, the U.S. government’s chief tropical weatherman doubts it.” It includes the following:

“Texas has overhauled evacuation plans….Another key change in Texas: It will be OK to evacuate with pets. Past bans on animals in shelters deterred some residents from fleeing dangerous storms. ‘One way that we are sure people move to safety is to say, come on and bring your dog,’ Novier says.”

You can read the whole article on line at www.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/2006-05-31-season-starts_x.htm and send a letter to USA Today at tinyurl.com/cee7y

The Thursday, June 1, New York Times has an article headed, “Looking Out for Pets in the Next Disaster.” (Pg A16.) It tells us:

“Last week the House voted 349 to 24 to approve the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, requiring state and local disaster preparedness plans to take into account the needs of people with pets and service animals.

“Senators Ted Stevens, Republican of Alaska, and Frank R. Lautenberg, Democrat of New Jersey, have introduced a bill on the same subject. Their legislation would authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse shelters that provide for animals, which the House bill does not.”

You can read the whole article on line at: www.nytimes.com/2006/06/01/us/nationalspecial/01pets.html and send a letter to the New York Times at letters [at] nytimes.com

On Wednesday, May 31, the CNN show “Live From” hosted by Kyra Phillips, covered the issue, interviewing Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) who supports the bill. He said:

“There are these stories of young children, literally who lost their homes, lost everything in their homes. The one thing they could hold on to, the one thing that gave them comfort was their friend, their family member, their pet….There were a lot of pet owners who simply refused to leave their pets and died with their pets in the storm.”

Then Phillips commented, “Who could be against a law to save Lassie? This man, among others.” And we heard from Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) one of 24 House members to vote against the pet rescue bill. He proclaimed himself a pet lover but said,

“We had enough trouble during this last hurricane season evacuating people….What are we to do if we send a helicopter in to pick some people up and, you know, they’ve got a Shetland pony on the ground?”

Phillips ended with, “Just about everyone agrees that people should come before pets, but supporters of the pet evacuation bill argue that a law protecting animals would protect people as well. In a poll conducted for the Humane Society, about half of all pet owners said they would refuse to evacuate if they couldn’t take their pets….Escape the storm or protect your pets? If this bill is signed into law, pet owners may be able to avoid that painful decision.”

You can read the whole transcript, starting about half-way down the page, at transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0605/31/lol.01.html

Please thank Phillips for the coverage. Live From takes comments at www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?5

And please don’t limit your letters on this issue to USA Today and the New York Times. Most papers will have some article on hurricane evacuation that can serve as the perfect jump-off point for letters to the editor in support of the PETS Act (find out more about it at tinyurl.com/qqu5n) or about the sorrow and fatalities (both human and non-human) caused by Red Cross no-pet policies. So please keep an eye out and send a letter to your paper. If you have any trouble finding the correct email address for a letter to the editor I am happy to help, and I am always happy to edit letters.

Yours and the animals’,
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

—– Original Message —–
From: newsletters [at] api4animals.org
Date: 1 Jun 2006 17:15:16 -0000
Subject: Take Action Today to Help Animals

Take Action to Protect Animals in Natural Disasters

Update: Good News! The U.S. House has passed its version of the PETS Act (H.R. 3858) by a landslide 349–24 vote. Thanks to all who took action. Your calls and letters made a difference! The Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act will ensure that following a major disaster or emergency, state and local emergency plans will take into account the needs of individuals with household companion animals and service animals. Now it’s up to the U.S. Senate to take action and ensure the final bill passes before hurricane season strikes again. Please take action today! Go to www.api4animals.org/actionalerts?p=796&more=1 for more details.

***

Shop with API’s Corporate Partners

API partners with a number of animal-friendly businesses. When you shop with us or our corporate partners through our Corporate Partner page, your compassionate choice supports API’s continued efforts on behalf of animals.

Better World Club: Choose the auto club that fits your values! Better World Club, the greener, cooler alternative to AAA, gives you all the trusted services you need from an auto club and supports environmental causes. API supporters receive a 10% discount on a first year membership and API receives $5 for each new membership, $2.50 for renewals, and $1 thereafter. Go to www.betterworldclub.com/partners/api.htm?join_code=APIA2006 to learn more.

Posted 06/01/06 - Okay to Forward/Crosspost

—– Original Message —–
From: Animal Rescue Team at WSPA - listserver [at] wspa-usa.org
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2006 11:51:42 -0500
Subject: WSPA team responds to Java earthquake

Contribute to WSPA’s Disaster Relief Fund

Animals suffering in aftermath of Java quake

June 1, 2006–Your gift today to the World Society for the Protection of Animal’s (WSPA) Disaster Relief Fund can help fund WSPA’s efforts in the Java earthquake zone, as well as help prepare us to respond to other disasters.

Already, WSPA has deployed an expert Disaster Assessment and Response Team (DART) to Java in the wake of the Indonesian earthquake to assess the overall situation and to provide relief to all animals affected.

Thousands affected

The earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale struck the Indonesian island of Java early on Saturday, May 27th. The Indonesian Government estimates that more than 4,500 people have been killed and thousands more have been injured. It is estimated that thousands of animals are in need of relief and rescue services.

Donate now by visiting
www.wspa-usa.org/pages/1588_disaster_relief_donation_form.cfm

“The task of the DART is to work with government officials and international and Indonesian NGO’s to work-up and implement a plan that will aim to bring immediate relief to all the animals affected, ” said Philip Russell, WSPA’s Director of Operations.

WSPA’s relief effort will likely include:

Emergency veterinary care
Rescue of lost or stranded animals
Emergency evacuation of livestock and pets
Temporary shelters
Emergency feeding program

The operation is also likely to be delivered in conjunction with WSPA member societies, The Humane Society International, Pro Fauna Indonesia and Yayasan Yudisthria with whom WSPA has worked on a number of recent international disaster relief operations.

WSPA and its Member Societies have also been actively monitoring the Mount Merapi volcano in Java since mid-April and will continue to develop preparedness measures in the event of an eruption.

Please, give as generously as you can to WSPA’s Disaster Relief Fund. You’ll be saving thousands of animal lives now, while helping us prepare for future emergencies.

Donate now by visiting
www.wspa-usa.org/pages/1588_disaster_relief_donation_form.cfm

—– Original Message —–
From: Environmental Defense - takeaction [at] environmentaldefense.org
Date: Jun 1, 2006 1:07 PM
Subject: Ignoring Katrina’s Lessons - Tell Your Senators to Protect Wetlands

*************************************

Tell your senators to learn from Katrina and protect people, not drain wetlands.

Send an email today: actionnetwork.org/campaign/Senate_Wetlands/

*************************************

Hurricane season is here, but right now the Senate is now poised to pass a bill that ignores the lessons of Hurricane Katrina.

Instead of focusing money to protect places like New Orleans, an expensive Senate bill would fund new development and construction in flood prone areas like coastal wetlands, leading to more damage. These low-lying areas are especially prone to floods when hurricanes hit.

It’s the same old story for wetlands. For five years before Katrina, Louisiana received more water project money than any other state, but spent only a pittance to protect New Orleans. Instead, federal money was spent on new projects that destroyed wetlands, erasing the natural buffer between people and coastal storms.

Tell your senators to learn from Katrina. Taxpayer money should be spent on protecting communities, not contributing to wetlands destruction. Ask your senators to support amendments to this destructive bill.

Email your senators: actionnetwork.org/campaign/Senate_Wetlands/

—

The Lessons of Katrina

The destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina exposed fundamental flaws in America’s flood control policies. In fact, much of what passes for flood control actually increases development of wetlands that serve as essential buffers for storm surges.

Case in point — In the five years before Katrina hit, Louisiana received more water-project funding than any other state, but spent only a pittance on New Orleans levees. Instead, some of the areas where Katrina wreaked the greatest damage were developed only recently as a result of flood-control projects.

Hurricane Katrina’s impact was magnified by the fact that prior flood-control projects had already destroyed so much of Louisiana’s coastal land.

Needed Reforms

There’s a clear need for basic reforms, which some members of Congress are championing. They include:

- Changing the criteria projects to stop new development in harm’s way;

- Encouraging independent peer review;

- Improving environmental mitigation standards.

For decades, the country has accepted a flood-control system designed to dispense political favors. Katrina exposed that we can no longer afford it. With your help, we’ll make sure the Senate learns the lessons of Katrina.

—————————————-

Send an email: actionnetwork.org/campaign/Senate_Wetlands/

Sample letter:

Dear Senator,

Hurricane Katrina showed that our nation’s system for designing and building flood control projects is broken. Too much money goes to wasteful projects. Levees are often built not to protect existing populations like New Orleans but instead to encourage new development in flood prone areas like coastal wetlands.

The Senate may soon consider a massive new water projects bill, S. 728. Congress should not authorize billions of dollars in new projects without dealing with these fundamental flaws.

I urge you to support expected amendments by Senators Russ Feingold and John McCain:

- To require independent expert review of plans for new water projects;
- To create a system to steer money to true priorities; and
- To strengthen environmental standards.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

***********************************
Powered by GetActive Software, Inc.
Relationship Management for Member Organizations ™
www.getactive.com
***********************************

—– Original Message —–
From: Humane Society of the United States - humanelines [at] hsus.org
Date: May 31, 2006 4:16 PM
Subject: HumaneLines: Stolen pets for research–Kelly, urge Congress to act now

********************************
The Humane Society of the United States | Humane Society
Legislative Fund
HumaneLines Issue 361, May 31, 2006
********************************

PROGRESS FOR PETS

Dear Kelly,

Sometimes you need to get outside the Beltway to meet some real political animals. Yesterday, I traveled to the Jersey Animal Coalition’s new shelter in South Orange, New Jersey, where I met Wishbone, Mojo, Jennifer, Little Pup, Shiloh, and several other dogs rescued from Hurricane Katrina last fall. I also met the handsome Boudreaux, an orange Katrina kitty.

www.jaconline.org/s1/index.html

They were all among the 10,000 animals saved from the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast last year, and these lucky pets have all been adopted by loving homes in the Garden State. They were on hand yesterday with their new guardians, joining U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and me to promote the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act in Congress.

community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_PETS3/

With this year’s hurricane season now approaching, the PETS Act is more important than ever. “Most people who have pets say they wouldn’t leave them behind in a disaster. We can’t ask people to choose between saving themselves or saving a beloved pet,” said Senator Lautenberg, who introduced the PETS Act with Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK). “We’ll never know how many people died in New Orleans because they refused to leave their pets.”

As you heard from us last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the PETS Act by a landslide vote of 349-24. This step towards success is thanks to grassroots action by caring people like you — members of our Humane Action Network — who called on your representatives to pass this important legislation. Now it’s time for the Senate to act just as decisively.

www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/house_passes_pets_act_to.html

You can help us achieve this next crucial step, by joining us at one of more than 360 “Party Animals” events around the country on June 11. Just click here to find a party near you, and join thousands of people in 47 states coming together to fight for this important cause.

www.party2win.com/partyanimals/findparty/index.cfm

With your help, and your action, we can make sure that no pet is left behind.

Sincerely,
Mike Markarian,President
Humane Society Legislative Fund

********************************

humanelines [at] hsus.org | 202-452-1100 | www.hsus.org
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: May 20, 2006 5:59 PM
Subject: Don’t Let Katrina’s Animal Tragedy Repeat Itself
To: 3 KINSHIP CIRCLE brick.net>

If you receive this alert twice, it is because you are subscribed to KINSHIP CIRCLE Primary List (animal cruelty issues worldwide) and KINSHIP CIRCLE Animal Disaster Relief List. Please kindly delete duplicates.

permission to cross-post

LOUISIANA RESIDENTS: Your presence is vital
Senate Finance Committee will hear Louisiana’s Pet Evacuation Bill SB-607:
* MONDAY, May 22, 2006
* 1:00 PM
* Committee Room E, State Capitol, Baton Rouge

EVERYONE: Help ensure the animal tragedy of Katrina is not repeated

1. Whether you can or cannot attend Monday’s hearing, EVERYONE MAY CONTACT Sen. Francis C. Heitmeier immediately with faxes, emails and phone calls.

Tell Sen. Heitmeier that this bill is important to Louisiana, and important as an example to the rest of the country. Your voice has made a difference before, it can do so again.

Senator Francis C. Heitmeier, Finance Committee Chairman
Local office: 504-361-6014
Senate switchboard: 225-342-2040
fax: 225-342-0617 (Senate fax – please specify recipient)
email: heitmeierf [at] legis.state.la.us
*SAMPLE LETTER AT END OF THIS ALERT

2. PLEASE ALSO CALL:

Senator Arthur Lentini: 504-780-8700
Senator Chris Ullo: 504) 361-6690

These are 2 swing votes for Jefferson Parish.
Please ask them to support and fund SB 607, the Pet Evacuation Bill.

Link to the Fiscal Note for SB-607 that will be presented at the hearing Monday, 5/22: www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=388588

Fiscal Note for SB-607 also attached to this email in PDF format.

network.bestfriends.org/louisiana/news/4075.html

LA Pet Evacuation Bill to be heard by Senate Finance Committee Monday.
Immediate help is needed to get it past this hurdle!

by Claire Davis

Immediate help is needed one more time to push through the progressive Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill, which is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Finance Committee Monday afternoon.

Unprecedented grassroots support for the bill, SB 607, helped it to pass easily through the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, but more help will be needed as it faces a tough hearing in front of the finance committee. That hearing will be made all the more difficult by the fact that the bill does not have a designated funding source, and an estimated budget has been prepared that grossly exaggerates actual costs.

“The bill is going to die, or not, on Monday, and if enough support is not shown by Monday, I fear it will not go any further than the finance committee,” says New Orleans resident Shannon Moore, founder of Save Our Pets, noting that the bill has gotten no support from the governor’s office as far as funding.

The bill will be heard in Louisiana Senate Committee Room 8 at the state capitol in Baton Rouge, on Monday, May 21. Backers of the bill ask supporters who can come to the hearing to do so. Although supporters will probably not be able to testify, their presence will remind the committee of the overwhelming public support backing this measure.

Those who cannot attend the hearing can still help support the bill by immediately phoning, emailing, and faxing the chairman of the judiciary committee, Senator Francis C. Heitmeier. Many other senators have indicated they will follow Heitmeier’s lead on how to proceed with the bill.

Sponsored by Sen. Heulette “Clo” Fontenot (R-Livingston), SB 607 calls for the state Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to develop emergency operation plans that provide for the humane evacuation and sheltering of pets.

These plans are to include the establishment of multiple “side-by-side” emergency shelters that would allow pets to be housed near their owners, as well as requiring that service animals always be evacuated along with people with disabilities, and that all other pets be evacuated along with their owners, whenever it can be accomplished without endangering human life.

The bill also requires that pets in carriers be allowed onto public transportation during time of emergency, or that separate transportation to shelters be provided. In addition, it mandates that the state establish an identification system that will ensure that owners are able to find their pets if they are separated from them during an evacuation.

A cost estimate prepared by the Legislative Fiscal Office puts a whopping $2.2 million per evacuation price tag on the legislation. With an estimate of seven evacuations per year, this sets the total yearly cost of the measure at $15.4 million. These figures are based on the assumption that approximately 10,000 animals will need to be sheltered for seven days during each evacuation, in shelters located in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

A quick look at the fiscal note shows that those cost estimates are overblown, according to senate aide Cathy Wells, who drafted the measure. Wells says Laura Maloney, executive director of the Louisiana SPCA, took a look at the cost estimate and was able to make several significant reductions. Best Friends Animal Society has also been asked to look at the fiscal note and see where cost savings could be made.

“I think the costs are way overblown,” Moore says. “I don’t know how they can have such inflated figures, unless they really don’t want to do it, and this is a way to kill it.”

Even a quick look from a layman’s eye reveals some easy ways to cut the price. For example, $135,000 is budgeted per evacuation for veterinarian staffing to care for an estimated 10,000 animals over seven days. (Nearly $1 million for seven evacuations.) This budget item could be slashed if the state would reverse its previously announced policy to reject the help of out-of-state veterinarians during the next disaster – as hundreds of such veterinarians demonstrated during Katrina that they are willing to help at no charge.

As the fiscal estimate recognizes, Best Friends and other animal organizations have indicated their willingness to donate time and resources toward the plan. However, since no such agreements have been signed and finalized, the fiscal note assumes that all expenses for pet evacuations will be borne by the state – without contributions of time or money from private citizens and national organizations. Once again, the outpouring of public support during Katrina proves that Louisiana will not be forced to bear all these costs alone.

“Any time any kind of emergency strikes, the nonprofits jump up and hold up their end of it,” Moore says.

She says she fears that the bill may not make it past the finance committee on Monday.

“I don’t think it will make it, and everyone was counting on it. It is the only way I can see that we can make sure that what happened during Katrina will never happen again. If it doesn’t pass, we’re going to end up right back where we were,” she says.

—– SOURCE OF INFORMATION —-

Claire Davis, claired [at] bestfriends.org

Cathy R. Wells, wellsc [at] legis.state.la.us
Louisiana State Senate, Committee on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 94183; Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Shannon Moore, shann_moore [at] yahoo.com

=============================
KINSHIP CIRCLE SAMPLE LETTER
www.KinshipCircle.org
Changing some of the words and personalizing your
comments carries more impact.
=============================

Dear Senator Heitmeier,

Citizens of the world look to Senator Fontenot’s pending Pet Evacuation Bill (SB-607) as a model plan for service animals and household pets during a catastrophe. You have an unprecedented opportunity to help your constituents and enhance Louisiana’s image worldwide.

Emergency arrangements with no animal component are out of touch with citizens like Scott Sherman, who refused to evacuate without his dogs. Scott is listed among the hurricane dead. The death toll might have been lower if provisions for pets and service animals had been in place.

I call upon the State of Louisiana to fund the humane evacuation, transport and temporary sheltering of animals as provided in SB-607. Please consider the economic offsets. It is more cost-effective to shelter/transport animals than finance crisis evacuations for residents who won’t leave without them.

Currently two bills are moving in the U.S. Congress:

(1) HR-3858 requires the Director of Fema to ensure state and local disaster preparedness plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals.

(2) S-2548 authorizes the Director of FEMA to make financial contributions to state and local authorities for animal emergency preparedness purposes, including the procurement, construction, leasing, or renovation of emergency shelter facilities and materials to accommodate people with pets and service animals.

On April 14, U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.), top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, told Stamford Advocate reporters: “Hurricane Katrina taught us that many people will not evacuate if they will have to leave pets behind.”

As you are aware, hurricane victims were forced to choose between survival and their pets. Last September Denise Okojo clung to her seeing-eye service dog in the shadows of her swamped apartment. When a helicopter team arrived, Okojo was ordered to leave Molly, a Labrador retriever, behind. The blind woman said goodbye to her “eyes” and sole companion.

On April 18, John Bozes carried three empty leashes to the Senate Hearing on SB-607. The leashes represented Angel Girl, Bullet, and Honey, his family’s now deceased dogs.

With pets banned from designated shelters outside St. Bernard Parish, Bozes (who cannot drive due to disability) had found overnight haven at Beauregard Middle School. The next day Sheriff’s Deputies ordered people to vacate without their pets, promising them the animals would be rescued. Instead, Bozes watched CNN’s Anderson Cooper later report “Dog Killings at Three St. Bernard Parish Schools.” As TV cameras surveyed the crime scene, Bozes spotted Angel Girl, Bullet, and Honey lifeless on the bloodstained floor.

“I still lay awake at night crying because Angel Girl was all I had,” Bozes says.

Unforgivable images are forever etched into our nation’s conscience. But Louisiana can now take the lead in legislation to fully implement protocols on rescue/shelter of animals during a disaster. This pivotal human/animal safety issue deserves your utmost attention and financial support.

Thank you,

*****************************************

TO UNSUBSCRIBE:
PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR JUNK MAIL FILTER!

* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox.
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] brick.net and send. [Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line].

Make sure “To” and “From” lines from our original alert are in your email, LIKE THIS:

—–Original Message—–
From: Kinship Circle
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 11:34 AM
To: 7. KINSHIP CIRLE Animal Disaster Relief List
Subject: [GULF COAST] Volunteers Still Needed in New Orleans

*Kinship Circle cannot guarantee the validity of email addresses. During a campaign, recipients may change or disable their email addresses.

*****************************************

BEAR WITNESS. SPEAK. DEMAND. ACT.
Kinship Circle - Action Campaigns I Literature I Voice For Animals
A nonprofit animal advocacy group working in animal disaster relief and campaigns
Brenda Shoss, president: info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
www.KinshipCircle.org

Kinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
We accept online donations at:
www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/donations.html
We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: DawnWatch - news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: May 17, 2006 5:33 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: AARP Bulletin cover story, “No Friend Left Behind” May 2006 — vol 47, no 5

The AARP Bulletin, aimed at mature people (over 50) is one of the most widely distributed publications in the world. Over twenty million Americans subscribe. Featured on the cover of the May edition (Vol. 47, No. 5) is the story “No Friend Left Behind. The public demands evacuation plans for people and pets.”

It opens:

“For five days after Hurricane Katrina, 69-year-old Thomas Reed and his dachshund, Weezie, slept in an attic, living on cans of vienna sausages and bags of Chee Wees cheese snacks as floodwaters surged through their working-class suburb of New Orleans. “We had no electricity, no ice, no water—we just had to make do,” says Reed, a retired civil engineer.

“Reed’s ordeal could have ended earlier, but the rescuers who paddled up to the house on the second day of the flood refused to take his 7-year-old dachshund—and Reed refused to leave without her.

“‘This little dog is my family,’ he says. ‘She’s the sweetest, most trusting little thing. No way was I going to leave her behind.’

“Reed wasn’t the only one who dug in his heels. Thousands of survivors clung to their pets and refused orders from emergency workers to leave them behind. The holdouts included a number of older men and women living alone who elected to stay with their animals despite the harrowing conditions, a choice that cost some their lives.”

According to the article, with bi-partisan “widespread support for such a policy, Congress this year will pass legislation requiring disaster plans for pets.”

The story shares poll numbers that display the attachment people have to their non-human family members:

“More than 60 percent of American households have a pet. After Katrina, 61 percent of pet owners told national pollsters they would refuse to evacuate ahead of a disaster if they could not take their pets.”

You can read the whole article on line at www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourlife/evacuating_pets.html

And you can send appreciative letters to the AARP Bulletin at Bulletin [at] aarp.org

Always include your full name, address, and daytime phone number when sending a letter to the editor. Shorter letters are more likely to be published.

I send appreciation to Julie Van Ness, Lori Golden of Pet Press, and Anna from the PAL, for making sure we knew about the article.

Yours and the animals’,
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

—– Original Message —–
From: DawnWatch - news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: Apr 30, 2006 5:17 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: Terrific front page story on need for animal disaster plans –Biloxi Sun Herald 4/30/06

As hurricane season approaches, the Sunday, April 30, Mississippi’s Biloxi Sun Herald, has a front page story headed, “Staying with animals in Katrina was a deadly choice for some, and the hurricane left other owners seeking; People do all they can to keep bond unbroken.”

It opens:

“Roselyn Desrochers was swept away trying to hoist her Chihuahuas to safety during the Hurricane Katrina storm surge that obliterated Waveland.

“Searchers found her body two months later, three miles from where she had lived in a doublewide mobile home one block from the beach. The dogs died with her. She was 57.

“‘That’s the only reason why she stayed,’ said her daughter, Josie Brown, who lives in Louisiana. ‘She said there was no place to take them.’”

“Animal advocates, lawmakers and civil defense leaders now recognize animals figure strongly in the decision to evacuate to safety.

“There were people in New Orleans who would not leave flooded houses without their pets, even in the days after the storm. Areas of Florida have long recognized saving animals saves people and includes a place for animals in emergency plans.

“And now, in the wake of Katrina, Harrison County will have its first pet-friendly shelter in place for the 2006 hurricane season. But for most of the Coast, the issue is still unresolved. Pets aren’t allowed in Red Cross shelters because of safety and hygiene concerns.”

Hopefully that line will make people who would not abandon their own animals rethink donations to an organization that rejects, perhaps condemning to death, people in desperate circumstances who feel the same way.

We also learn that Jackson County, Civil Defense Director Butch Loper just doesn’t get the connection between saving human and animal life. He is quoted: “I don’t have enough shelter for the people I have living in trailers. You think I’m going to worry about a dog or a cat?”

The article refers to another family that lost seven human members who would not leave a beloved pet. And It describes others who almost died caring for their animals. It then tells us that the standard advice is no now to take your pets with you, “But that brings up the question of how.”

You can read the whole article on line at www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/local/14464093.htm and send an appreciative letter to the editor at www.sunherald.info/forms/letter.htm

You might also consider a letter to your local paper about the need for emergency planning for companion animals.

Yours and the animals’,
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Apr 25, 2006 8:46 PM
Subject: ACT/ Tell Commissioner Pet Evacuation Bill Must Pass

Thank you ALL who wrote to Governor Blanco about SB-607 The Pet Evacuation Bill. Your flood of comments just may have overloaded the Governor’s fax machine and email box…

Kinship Circle is now acting upon a request from within Senator Fontenot’s (author of SB-607) office.

PLEASE REDIRECT YOUR COMMENTS TO LOUISIANA’S COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION, who apparently controls the purse strings. It is thought that if the commissioner likes an idea, it gets funded.

Below you’ll find our original sample letter with contact information for Jerry Luke LeBlanc, the Commissioner of Administration.

It is my sincerest hope no one will complain about “too many emails.” We all saw what happened to animals in the Gulf Coast as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Please write for them. And please write for the wonderful precedent this Louisiana law would set for the U.S. and world—if passed.

THANK YOU,
Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

**COMMENTS DUE BY MONDAY, MAY 1, 2006.

4/25/06—LA Commissioner needs to hear from constituents, the country, and world
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN
www.kinshipcircle.org

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
Save Our Pets: petevacuation [at] yahoo.com, 504-305-4113
Cathy Wells, wellsc [at] legis.state.la.us
SENATE BILL NO. 607 BY SENATOR FONTENOT
www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=375498

===================================

SAMPLE LETTER
Changing some of the words and personalizing your comments carries more impact.

===================================

Jerry Luke LeBlanc, Commissioner of Administration
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
local ph: 225-342-7000; toll free: 800-354-9548
fax: 225-342-5653
email: doacommissioner [at] la.gov

Dear Commissioner LeBlanc,

Currently two bills are moving in the U.S. Congress:

(1) HR-3858 requires the Director of Fema to ensure state and local disaster preparedness plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals.

On April 18, John Bozes carried three empty leashes to the Senate Hearing on SB-607. The leashes represented Angel Girl, Bullet, and Honey, his family’s now deceased dogs.

“I still lay awake at night crying because Angel Girl was all I had,” Bozes says.

Thank you,

**************************************

TO UNSUBSCRIBE:
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Hit REPLY or FORWARD to send us THE LAST KINSHIP CIRCLE ALERT YOU RECEIVED.
Make sure the “To” and “From” lines of our alert are included in your email.

For example:

UNSUBSCRIBE

—–Original Message—–
From: Kinship Circle
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 11:34 AM
To: 7. KINSHIP CIRLE Animal Disaster Relief List
Subject: [GULF COAST] Volunteers Still Needed in New Orleans

*Kinship Circle cannot guarantee the validity of email addresses. During a campaign, recipients may change or disable their email addresses.

**************************************

BEAR WITNESS. SPEAK. DEMAND. ACT.
Kinship Circle - Action Campaigns I Literature I Voice For Animals
Brenda Shoss, president * Janet Enoch, vice-president
info [at] kinshipcircle.org
www.KinshipCircle.org

Kinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
We accept online donations at:
www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/donations.html
We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: Humane Society of the United States - humanesociety [at] hsus.org
Date: Apr 20, 2006 2:31 PM
Subject: Would you leave your pet behind when disaster strikes?

****************************************
The Humane Society of the United States
TAKE ACTION TODAY TO HELP SAVE PETS WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_PETS2/
****************************************

I hope you will never be forced to make a horrifying choice: Abandon your pet and find your way to safety, or stay with your pet and remain in a hazardous, and potentially life-threatening, situation. But during Hurricane Katrina, thousands of people were given just that choice.

Today, I urge you to take action to help shape a policy that will save thousands of animals from this tragic fate — and save pet lovers like you from being forced to confront this awful choice when disaster strikes. By asking your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to support the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, you can make a difference for people and animals. This legislation requires state and local authorities to take into consideration the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in disaster plans.

community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_PETS2/

Imagine losing your home, your job, your school, your place of worship, and having nothing left but the unconditional love of your pet. We all witnessed the tragedies that occurred when Hurricane Katrina struck — gut-wrenching images of abandoned animals and desperate people who stayed behind with their pets juxtaposed with heartwarming snapshots of courageous rescues and incredible reunions of people and their pets. These images illustrate the unbreakable bond between humans and their companion animals.

Please help us preserve this bond by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to pass the PETS Act. The U.S. House introduced its bill (H.R. 3858) in the wake of Katrina last fall. The Senate introduced its companion bill (S. 2548) just a few weeks ago, which would further help animals in disasters by authorizing financial support to states to create and operate shelters for people with animals. The Senate bill would also
allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs to people with household pets and service animals, and the animals themselves, after a disaster strikes.

1. Take action. Please contact your U.S. Representative, Dennis Moore, and your U.S.
Senators, Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback, today and urge them to support the PETS Act to prevent our treasured pets and service animals from being left behind in the next major disaster. Even if you have previously e-mailed or called Congress about the PETS Act, I urge you to take action again. Click here to contact Congress now.

community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_PETS2/

2. Spread the word. No one should have to make the choice between their companion or service animals and their own safety. Click here to tell your friends and family how they can help ensure pets are included in disaster and evacuation plans.

community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_PETS2/forward/

With your help, we can make sure that when the next disaster strikes, no pet will be left behind. Thank you for your action on behalf of animals.

Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States

****************************************

Copyright (c) 2006 The Humane Society of the United States
(HSUS) | All Rights Reserved.
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, NW | Washington, DC 20037
mailto:humanesociety [at] hsus.org | 202-452-1100 | www.hsus.org

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—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Date: Apr 19, 2006 9:44 PM
Subject: ACTION/ Pet Evacuation Bill Needs Your Voice Again

**COMMENTS DUE BY MONDAY, MAY 1, 2006.
Governor Blanco needs to hear from Louisiana, the country, and the world.

SB-607, Louisiana’s proposed Pet Evacuation Bill, passed the Senate Committee but must now move out of the Finance Committee (a major hurdle) before it reaches the floor for a vote. Please flood the Governor’s office with calls, faxes, mailed letters, and emails daily until SB-607 reaches the Finance Committee on May 1.

4/19/06–Pivotal Pet Evacuation Bill Needs Your Voice
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN
www.kinshipcircle.org

=================================
SAMPLE LETTER
Changing some of the words and personalizing your comments carries far more impact.
=================================

Governor Kathleen Blanco
Office of the Governor, Attn: Constituent Services
P.O. Box 94004; Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
ph: 866-366-1121, 225-342-0991 or 225-342-7015; fax: 225-342-7099
email: contact [at] la.gov

Dear Governor Blanco,

Currently two bills are moving in the U.S. Congress:

(1) HR-3858 requires the Director of Fema to ensure state and local disaster preparedness plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals.

On April 18, John Bozes carried three empty leashes to the Senate Hearing on SB-607. The leashes represented Angel Girl, Bullet, and Honey, his family’s now deceased dogs.

“I still lay awake at night crying because Angel Girl was all I had,” Bozes says.

Thank you,

****************************************

TO SUBSCRIBE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE:
subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org

TO UNSUBSCRIBE: PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR JUNK MAIL FILTER!
Send info [at] kinshipcircle.org THE LAST KINSHIP CIRCLE ALERT RECEIVED.
Include “To” and “From” lines of the Kinship Circle alert. For example:

UNSUBSCRIBE

—–Original Message—–
From: Kinship Circle
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 11:34 AM
To: 7. KINSHIP CIRLE
Subject: LETTER/ Costco Brings Back Baby Seal Oil Capsules

*Kinship Circle cannot guarantee the validity of email addresses. During a campaign, recipients may change or disable their email addresses.

****************************************

Kinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
We accept online donations at:
www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/donations.html
We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: DawnWatch - news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: Apr 18, 2006 3:07 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: New Orleans front page on animal evacuation bill 4/18/06

The front page of the Tuesday, April 18, New Orleans Times-Picayune has a story headed, “Get animals out of town too, bill suggests; Legislation would provide a place for pets during an evacuation.”

It opens:

“Animals that drowned in a flooded New Orleans shelter. Dogs and cats stolen by theft rings. Pets forever separated from their evacuated owners. Seeing-eye dogs taken from their blind patrons. An overwhelmed animal-rescue system.

“These results of Hurricane Katrina are the object of legislation scheduled for a Senate hearing today that supporters say will help prevent the hardships that befell domesticated animals and encourage more people to evacuate without fear of losing their pets.

“‘This was a major problem for us, because we failed to account for the human-animal bond, that people actually died because they would not evacuate without their pets,’ said Sen. Heulette ‘Clo’ Fontenot, R-Livingston, author of Senate Bill 607.”

There is a quote from office of Homeland Security spokesman Mark Smith:
“If you have a choice between evacuating a cat or a person, guess who’s going to get left behind?”

Which makes one wonder why one would ever have to choose between evacuating a person or the cat in her arms.

We read:

“Anecdotal evidence surfaced after the storm that an unknown number of people refused to evacuate before Katrina because they did not want to leave a pet to the mercy of the storm, or because they knew the shelters outside the region would not accommodate animals. Gov. Kathleen Blanco identified the problem as an obstacle to a complete evacuation. Media reports from relatives of those who perished in the storm indicated that some people died for the love of their pets.”

About the bill specifics we read,

“The bill asks the Homeland Security office to ‘enable, wherever possible, joint pet-owner evacuation for disabled, elderly, special-needs residents, and all other residents whenever such evacuations can be accomplished without endangering human life.’ The legislation would allow household pets in cages or carriers ‘to utilize public transportation during an impending disaster, when doing so does not endanger human life.’ If those pets are not allowed to go with the owners, the bill calls for separate transportation to be provided ‘to the shelter in closest proximity to the human sheltering facility in which the animal’s owner or custodian will be temporarily housed.’”

You can read the full article on line at www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-5/114533975567660.xml
and send a supportive letter to the editor at www.nola.com/contactus/

Those new to DawnWatch might enjoy op-eds I wrote on the Katrina animal issue that were published in the Washington Post and New York Newsday in September. They are on the paper’s website or on the DawnWatch website at www.dawnwatch.com/op-eds.htm

Yours and the animals’,
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

—– Original Message —–
From: Humane Society of the United States - humanesociety [at] hsus.org
Date: Apr 13, 2006 12:48 PM
Subject: Help save pets when disaster strikes

********************************

The Humane Society of the United States
SAVE THE DATE
community.hsus.org/ct/bdS7Mss1fmI5/

********************************

Join us at house parties to save pets from the next disaster.

Click here to find out more and sign up to host your own house
party: community.hsus.org/ct/bdS7Mss1fmI5/

On Sunday, June 11, compassionate people around the country will gather at house parties for an important cause: saving pets in the next natural disaster. We’ll come together to help make sure that the next time disaster strikes, there will be no pets left behind.

We hope you’ll join us, so save the date: June 11, 2006.

Click here to learn more about our Party Animals program and sign up to host your own party: community.hsus.org/ct/bdS7Mss1fmI5/

********************************

Copyright (c) 2006 The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
All Rights Reserved.
The Humane Society of the United States | 2100 L Street, NW |
Washington, DC 20037
mailto:HumaneSociety [at] hsus.org | 202-452-1100 |
www.hsus.org

********************************

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That Recruit, Engage, and Retain ™
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—– Original Message —–
From: newsletters [at] api4animals.org
Date: 13 Apr 2006 03:05:41 -0000
Subject: Help animals today!

National Alert

Take Action to Protect Animals in Natural Disasters

Congress is now considering two bills (S. 2548 & H.R. 3858), that if passed would ensure that, following a major disaster or emergency, state and local emergency plans will take into account the needs of individuals with household companion animals and service animals. Contact your lawmakers today to ensure the protection of animals in a natural disaster! Go to www.api4animals.org/actionalerts?p=796&more=1 for more details.

Posted 04/12/06 - Okay to Forward/Crosspost

Please do not reply to this email. Send questions to webmaster [at] api4animals.org.

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Apr 12, 2006 4:52 PM
Subject: For Gigi, Lola, Robert…WRITE, MARCH, TESTIFY

For Gigi, Lola, Robert, and thousands more who died with them…

WE URGE YOU TO:
**Ask Louisiana Senators/Representatives to support the Pet Evacuation Bill
Call 225-342-2040 today for their contact information. SEE #5 IN THIS ALERT.

**Join the People & Pets March
Monday, April 17, 2:00 p.m., State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
SEE ATTACHED FLYER AND #3 IN THIS ALERT

**Attend/Testify at the Hearing for SB-607
Tuesday, April 18, 9:00 a.m., State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
SEE #4 IN THIS ALERT.

MORE INFORMATION: Save Our Pets at pets [at] pets911.org or 504-305-4113

===================================

IN THIS ALERT:
1. For GiGi
2. For Lola, Robert, And The Cats
3. People & Pets March To The State Capitol Steps
4. Attend Hearing For SB-607 At State Capitol
5. Email/Phone/Fax Louisiana State Senators

===================================

1. FOR GIGI

As Judy and Santo Migliore evacuated on to a barge, an official threatened to handcuff Judy if she did not abandon GiGi, a 10-pound toy poodle. Judy clung to her 6-year-old dog with the apricot marks etched inside one ear and along her back. But officials stood firm and Judy was forced to leave Gigi with a St. Bernard Parish Deputy in Violet, Louisiana.

The Migliores and three of five adult children were now homeless, their former addresses washed away in the levee break after Katrina. Desperate to find GiGi, they embarked on an internet search from their hotel room in Lafayette, LA. The checked every shelter in Louisiana and perused Petfinders, once stumbling upon a white miniature poodle relocated to a Michigan Humane Society shelter. That lead, like others, was a dead end.

On October 7, an email arrived: “I am so sorry if this is GiGi,” Dana, a rescue volunteer, wrote. “You cannot see it in the pictures, but the dog’s nails are painted… The dog was found either in room 206, 208, or 210. Please, please accept my condolences if this is Gigi…”

In the photo, a tangle of white fur rested atop a puddle of feces and blood. Patches of sunlight framed the tiny dog and a discarded cigarette butt lay by her head. Gigi had finally been found.

On October 7, Judy Migliore wrote to Ellen Little, another volunteer in the search for GiGi: “Ellen, just wanted to let you know that my baby, GiGi, was found and that it’s been confirmed she was never taken from the shelter. She died. The Pasado Animal Shelter in St. Bernard Parish found her… Once again, thank you and all the kind people who tried to bring this to a happy ending. But, now it has ended in sadness…”

Judy Migliore, elizabeth1199 [at] aol.com

===================================

2. FOR LOLA, ROBERT, & THE CATS

As waters rose up to her neck, Tana Bart fled to her attic with all of her cats and dogs. A single foot of air separated Tana and her animals from the attic’s ceiling. She managed to climb through a vent on to her roof. A helicopter scooped her up with one cat in tow. Responders assumed the cat was a child because Tana had wrapped the kitty like a tiny infant.

Tana was dropped off at the University of New Orleans, a makeshift site where thousands of evacuees and their pets waited—without supplies, food, or water. The next day, Tana’s friend paddled back to his home in a big blue tub. He brought his dog back to UNO. Tana also found a boat and a fence-board paddle to return home for the rest of her cats and dogs. She recovered just one cat. For the others still missing, she erected a ramp to the attic and vent.

As conditions at UNO worsened, several police officers broke into a grocery store to retrieve basic supplies. But evacuees continued to fill the overcrowded university and soon officers and firemen–outnumbered by angry mobs vandalizing, stealing and raping—left people to fend for themselves.

Tana escaped to a classroom where she hid her cherished cats in a cabinet. When a gang seized the classroom, Tana slept on a walkway with her cats tethered to her arms. Looters armed with flashlights looked for people to rob throughout the night. Gangs tossed computers and furniture into a swimming pool and shattered windows.

The National Guard intervened, fabricating a lie about plans to explode the levees for water drainage. The National Guard told hurricane victims they’d be under 10 feet of water in 10 hours. Guardsmen told them they had to evacuate by helicopter now—without their animals.

Tears streamed down the faces of grown men, who tied dogs to secure posts and kissed them goodbye. One man attached his drivers license to his dog, sobbing as he looked back upon the only treasured being left in his life.

But, Tana wouldn’t budge. She confronted an army officer who told her: “If you wait until dead last, we might take your pets.”

Along with five other people, Tana stayed to care for hundreds of dogs stranded at the university. She moved them into shaded areas and found drinking water. She untied them so they’d have a chance to swim for their lives. But most remained in the spots where their guardians had left them, waiting patiently for a familiar voice and touch.

Tana had two dogs. In 1996, Lola was crowned Queen of the Barkus Parade. Robert was Lola’s housemate. Both senior dogs are missing and presumed dead. Tana, a vet tech, also had many rescue cats. She eventually recovered some, but five perished because she was not permitted to evacuate with them.

Scott Sherman, Tana’s friend, refused to evacuate without his nine dogs. He died in his home, along with all nine dogs. Scott’s name is listed among the hurricane dead.

From: Shannon Moore shann_moore [at] yahoo.com

===================================

3. PEOPLE & PETS MARCH TO THE STATE CAPITOL STEPS

Bring Your Pet & March on April 17 to the State Capitol Steps in Support of The Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill (SB607):
www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=375498

WHEN: Monday, April 17, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Louisiana State Capitol, 900 N. 3rd St., Baton Rouge

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 504-305- 4113 or petevacuation [at] yahoo.com

PLEASE PRINT AND POST ATTACHED FLYER EVERYWHERE.

PEOPLE WHO NEED TRANSPORTATION TO APRIL 17 MARCH:
Transportation can be provided by calling 504-305-4113 or emailing pets [at] pets911.org

To honor animals lost, carry a picture and an empty collar or leash.

People are encouraged to wear t-shirts that say “If I leave they leave” or “No Animal Left Behind” etc. to the March.

DIRECTIONS:
From New Orleans:
Take I-10 West and merge onto 1-10 North so that you do NOT go over the river bridge.
Exit at Capitol Access Road.
Go back over the Interstate.
The first building is the Department of Transportation.
Then a red light.
The Governor’s Mansion is on the right.
The road splits with a park in the middle.
To the right there is parking along the lake.
At the next split:
If you go left you will be at the Capitol Steps.
If you go right there will be some reserved parking spaces and some available.
Proceed through the yellow caution light and there is a huge Public Parking Lot.
Also, any Security Guard can direct you to available parking.

===================================

4. ATTEND HEARING FOR SB-607 AT STATE CAPITOL

Senate Judiciary B Committee will hear SB 607, The Pet Evacuation Bill.

WHEN: April 18, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: The Louisiana State Capitol
900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Senate Committee Room “E” located on the ground floor of the Capitol
(driving directions above, in #3)

NEED TESTIMONIALS FROM LA EVACUEES FORCED TO LEAVE WITHOUT THEIR ANIMALS
CONTACT: Cathy Wells, wellsc [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Fontenot (District 13, Louisiana) needs statements from Katrina evacuees who were stopped from evacuating with their pets.

To testify before a legislative committee, all you do is fill out a card with your name and contact information and the chairman of the committee will call on you when it is time to testify. Just tell the committee specifically what happened to you and your family and how this bill would have made you and your family’s life better.

Cathy Wells, a staff member from Sen. Fontenot’s office, is collecting statements from affected parties.

Were you, or someone you know, forced to evacuate without your animal companions? Your willingness to speak out is instrumental in influencing legislators to support the Pet Evacuation Bill.

CONTACT: Cathy Wells, wellsc [at] legis.state.la.us

===================================

5. EMAIL/PHONE/FAX ALL LOUISIANA STATE SENATORS

PLEASE SEND COMMENTS ASAP. The Senate Judiciary B Committee will hear SB 607, The Pet Evacuation Bill, on Tuesday, April 18. Take action now.

IF YOU ONLY HAVE TIME TO CONTACT 1 SENATOR, SEND COMMENTS TO:
Senator Fontenot: fontenoc [at] legis.state.la.us
Capitol Office
P.O. Box 94183; Baton Rouge, LA 70804
ph: 225-342-2040
District Office
P.O. Box 1238; Livingston, LA 70754
ph: 225-686-0108; fax: 225-686-2161

PLEASE TRY TO PERSONALIZE YOUR COMMENTS, using Kinship Circle’s sample letter for ideas. Mainly, state: “This is what I experienced…” and “please support SB 607, The Pet Evacuation Bill.”

Include your full name, address, phone number and email address.

Critical State Pet Evacuation Bill
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN
www.kinshipcircle.org

SOURCE OF INFORMATION
Shannon Moore, shann_moore [at] yahoo.com
SENATE BILL NO. 607 BY SENATOR FONTENOT
www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=375498
Bill Maps a Pet Evacuation Route
www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-pets26mar26,1,7592180.story

SAMPLE LETTER & EMAIL BLOCK

*Personalizing your comments adds impact

FULL CONTACT INFO (street addresses, fax/phone) follows sample letter

===================================

Dear Senator,

In a single week last September, rescuers airlifted thousands of New Orleans residents stranded in flooded homes. Among them, Denise Okojo clung to her Labrador retriever in the shadows of their swamped apartment. When a rescue team arrived, Okojo was ordered to leave Molly, her seeing-eye service dog, behind. The blind woman said goodbye to her “eyes” and sole companion.

Laura K. Maloney, executive director of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, claims animal protection volunteers recovered about 16,000 animals in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Most ended up in shelters around the U.S. Only 3,000 were reunited with their guardians. Okojo was one of the fortunate evacuees. At Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, she relayed her story to a kindhearted nurse who alerted ASPCA disaster relief workers. After smashing through a window, a rescue squad found Molly trembling in an upstairs bedroom.

A disaster preparedness plan without provisions for animals is a bad plan. In America, animals live in over half of all households. Cats inhabit 3 of every 10 homes, according to Humane Society of the U.S. figures. In New Orleans alone, 50,000 to 70,000 dogs were pre-Katrina family members.

Yet Louisiana disaster victims were forced to choose between survival and their pets. Unforgivable images are etched into our nation’s conscience: A white dog is ripped from a boy’s arms as he boards a bus. A bewildered yellow Lab watches his family disappear in a helicopter. An elderly woman cannot receive medical care unless she deserts her cats. A man swims and walks for miles with his dog, only to learn he must abandon his loyal friend.

An emergency plan with no animal component is out of touch with constituents. In fact, Katrina “stragglers” cited pets as the foremost reason for staying in flooded areas. The human death toll might have been lower if a strategy to accommodate animals had been in place.

You have the opportunity to ensure this never happens again. I respectfully ask for your full support of Senator Fontenot’s Senate Bill No. 607 (SB-607) Pet Evacuation Bill. SB-607 requires state and parish homeland security and emergency preparedness agencies “to consult with experts in the fields of animal sheltering, veterinary medicine, public health and safety, and other professional and technical personnel deemed appropriate to formulate emergency operation plans for the humane evacuation, transport, and temporary sheltering of service animals and household pets in times of emergency or disaster.”

“I felt we were derelict in our duties to the citizens of Louisiana, because we didn’t make arrangements for pets,” Senator Fontenot told reporters. “I don’t think we recognize that pet-human bond that was there, and a lot of people refused to evacuate because they weren’t going to leave their pets behind.”

Long after the last humans had evacuated, thousands of emaciated and dehydrated pets roamed empty New Orleans parishes. Seven months beyond the storm, animal advocates continue to rescue and rehabilitate displaced pets. Please stand behind SB-607, which instructs government to consult with animal welfare organizations to fully implement protocols on rescue/shelter of animals during a disaster. I am counting on you to cosponsor the critical Pet Evacuation Bill.

Thank you,

===========================================
COMPLETE CONTACT INFORMATION
senate.legis.state.la.us/Senators/Default.asp
===========================================

CENTRAL FAX NUMBER, when the Legislature is in session. Faxes are placed directly into each senator’s mailbox: 225-342-0617

CENTRAL PHONE NUMBER, when the Legislature is in session: 225-342-2040

LOUSIANA STATE SENATE MEMBERS
Senator Robert Adley
611 Jessie Jones Drive; Benton, LA 71006
ph: 225-342-2040, 318-965-1755; fax: 318-965-1757
email: adleyr [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator “Jody” Amedee
2109 S. Burnside Ave., Suite A; Gonzales, LA 70737
ph: 225-644-1526; fax: 225-644-7392
email: amedeej [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Diana E. Bajoie
Post Office Box 15168; New Orleans, LA 70175
ph: 225-342-0752, 504-568-7760; fax: 504-896-1301
email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Robert J. Barham
Post Office Box 249; Oak Ridge, LA 71264
ph: 225-342-2040, 318-244-5582; fax: 318-244-5015
email: barhamr [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Walter J. Boasso
100 Intermodal Drive; Chalmette, LA 70043
ph: 225-342-2040, 504-270-9258; fax: 504-277-0113
email: boassow [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Sharon Weston Broome
P. O. Box 52783; Baton Rouge, LA 70892
ph: 225-359-9352; fax: 225-359-9353
email: lasen15 [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator James David Cain
Post Office Box 640; Dry Creek, LA 70637
ph: 225-342-2040, 337-328-7266; fax: 337-491-2027
email: cainj [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Joel T. Chaisson
P.O. Box 1255; Destrehan, LA 70047
ph: 225-342-2040, 985-764-9911; fax: 985-764-9686
email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Sherri Smith Cheek
9973 Mansfield Road; Keithville, LA 71047
ph: 318-687-4820; fax: 318-687-4077
email: smithcheek [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Donald R. “Don” Cravins
Vice Chairman, Judiciary B Committee
200 West Pine Street; Lafayette, LA 70501
ph: 225-342-2114, 337-234-9695; fax: 337-234-7019
email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Jay Dardenne, Judiciary B Committee Member
Post Office Box 94183; Baton Rouge, LA 70804
ph: 225-342-9788; fax: 225-383-3733
email: dardennej [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Ann Duplessis
6600 Plaza Drive, Suite 211A; New Orleans, LA 70127
ph: 504-243-7795; fax: 504-246-7689
email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Reggie P. Dupre
P. O. Box 3893; Houma, LA 70361-2016
ph: 985-876-9902; fax: 985-873-2016
email: lasen20 [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Noble E. Ellington, Judiciary B Committee Member
4272 Front Street; Winnsboro, LA 71295
ph: 318-435-7313; fax: 318-435-9885
email: ellingtn [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Cleo Fields
Post Office Box 94183; Baton Rouge, LA 70804
ph: 225-342-9793; fax: 225-219-4354
email: fieldsc [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Heulette “Clo” Fontenot
Author of SB 607, Pet Evacuation Bill
P.O. Box 1238; Livingston, LA 70754
ph: 225-686-0108; fax: 225-686-2161
email: fontenoc [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator “Nick” Gautreaux
209 E. St. Victor Street; Abbeville, LA 70510
ph: 337-740-NICK (6425), 1-866-740-NICK (6425)
fax: 337-740-6400; email: gautreauxn [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator D. A. “Butch” Gautreaux
1103 Eighth Street; Morgan City, LA 70380
ph: 800-562-3204; fax: 985-380-2447
email: lasen21 [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Francis C. Heitmeier
3709 General DeGaulle; New Orleans, LA 70114
ph: 504-361-6014; fax: 504-361-9794
email: heitmeierf [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Donald E. Hines
Post Office Box 262; Bunkie, LA 71322
ph: 318-346-4619; fax: 318-346-2301
email: hinesd [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Ken Hollis, Judiciary B Committee Member
2800 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 365; Metairie, LA 70002
ph: 225-342-8325, 504-828-9300; fax: 504-828-9355
email: hollisk [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Lydia P. Jackson
610 Texas Street, Suite 201; Shreveport, LA 71101
ph: 318-676-7029; fax: 318-676-7034
email: jacksonl [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Charles D. “C.D.” Jones, Judiciary B Committee Member
141 Desiard Street, Suite 315; Monroe, LA 71201
ph: 225-342-2366, 318-362-5469;
fax: 318-325-2647; email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Robert W. “Bob” Kostelka
Post Office Box 2122; Monroe, LA 71207
ph: 800-508-5572; fax: 318-329-9150
email: kostelka [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Arthur J. “Art” Lentini
6620 Riverside Drive, Suite 312; Metairie, LA 70003
ph: 504-780-8700; fax: 504-465-3463
email: lentini [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Max T. Malone
610 Marshall Street, Suite 722; Shreveport, LA 71101
ph: 318-676-5733; fax: 318-676-5734
email: malonem [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Robert “Rob” Marionneaux
Chairman, Judiciary B Committee
P.O. Box 577; Livonia, LA 70755-0577
ph: 225-637-3623; fax: 225-637-3124
email: lasen17 [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Joe McPherson
880 Robinson Bridge Road; Woodworth, LA 71485
ph: 318-484-2211; fax: 318-445-2872
email: lasen29 [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Michael J. “Mike” Michot
P.O. Box 80372; Lafayette, LA 70598
ph: 337-262-1332; fax: 337-237-1185
email: lasen23 [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Willie L. Mount
P.O. Box 3004; Lake Charles, LA 70602
ph: 337-491-2016; fax: 337-433-8080
email: lasen27 [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Edwin R. Murray
1540 N. Broad St.; New Orleans, LA 70119
ph: 504-945-0042; fax: 504-942-5968
email: murraye [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Ben Nevers
724 Avenue F; Bogalusa, LA 70427
ph: 985-732-6863, 1-800-881-2749; fax: 985-732-6860
email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Julie Quinn
3330 North Causeway Boulevard, Suite 438; Metairie, LA 70002
ph: 504-219-4640; fax: 504-219-4639
email: quinnj [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Craig F. Romero
300 Iberia Street, Suite B-150; New Iberia, LA 70560
ph: 337-364-8006; fax: 337-364-7355
email: romeroc [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator John T. “Tom” Schedler
3840 Highway 22, Suite 200; Mandeville, LA 70471
ph: 225-342-2040, 985-727-7949, 1-800-836-9581
fax: 985-727-9904; email: schedlet [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Derrick Shepherd
2009 Ames Boulevard; Marrero, LA 70072
ph: 504-371-0263; fax: 504-371-0265
email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Kenneth M. “Mike” Smith
Post Office Box 1381; Winnfield, LA 71483
ph: 225-342-0637, 318-628-3075; fax: 318-628-5286
email: smithmi [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator Gerald J. Theunissen
Post Office Box 287; Jennings, LA 70546
ph: 337-824-0376; fax: 337-824-4780
email: theunisg [at] legis.state.la.us

Senator J. Chris Ullo
2150 Westbank Expressway, Suite 705; Harvey, LA 70058
ph: 504-361-6690; fax: 504-361-6691
email: websen [at] legis.state.la.us

————–

TO SUBSCRIBE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE HURRICANE RESCUE ALERTS:
email info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
IN YOUR EMAIL, STATE:
–SUBSCRIBE TO KC HURRICANE ALERTS
–IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF LOUISIANA

Kinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
We accept online donations at:
www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/donations.html
We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: DawnWatch - news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: Apr 7, 2006 5:54 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: “Rescuing Dogs and Learning From Them,” on NPR 4/6/06 (available on line now)

On Thursday, April 6, Terry Gross’s “Fresh Air” interview on National Public Radio was with Ken Foster, author of “The Dogs Who Found Me.” Foster moved to New Orleans with his three rescue dogs just before Hurricane Katrina hit. He has been volunteering at the SPCA in Louisiana ever since. The interview includes a long section on his love of pitbulls and his criticisms of media coverage of the breed. There is a charming section on the rescue of a pitbull named Valentino.

The interview concludes with Foster talking about how his dogs have rescued him both physically and emotionally — making him less concerned with superficial things, more honest and more appreciative of life.

You can listen to the interview, headed “Rescuing Dogs and Learning From Them,” on line at: tinyurl.com/s73w6

Please thank Terry Gross for this interview. Go to www.npr.org/contact/, choose “NPR program” and then choose “Fresh Air with Terry Gross” from the pull-down menu. Positive feedback for animal friendly coverage will encourage similar more of it.

My thanks to Christine Watt for making sure we knew about the interview.

Yours and the animals’,
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

—– Original Message —–
From: DawnWatch - news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: Apr 6, 2006 5:29 PM
Subject: DawnWatch tip: Extreme Makeover to include Katrina families and animals 4/6/06

From ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” website:

“Next Episode:
Thursday, April 6, 8/7c
‘After the Storm: New Orleans’
Striving to heal the hearts of victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team travels to New Orleans’ 9th Ward to help restore cornerstones of the community, reunite families and pets, and bring light and music back to one of America’s most beloved cities.”

(The show is on CHTV in Canada tonight at 8pm, though I am not sure if it is the same episode.)

Friends who were in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and spoke to the show’s producers tell me that they think the pet portion will be significant.

Not to be confused with the original “Extreme Makeover” (which touted plastic surgery as the answer to a girl’s problems) “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” one of the top rated programs in America, is a beautifully done show on which each week a family that needs a new home has one built. One week it was a family that devoted itself to animal rescue and got a new home replete with offices, stables and kennels. You can learn more about the show at abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index.html. The question and answer section with executive producer Tom Forman is enlightening.

You might like to check out tonight’s Katrina episode. If it includes a significant portion of animal friendly material, please make sure to send thanks. Positive feedback for animal friendly coverage encourages more of it. To send comments go to
abc.go.com/site/contactus.html and select “Extreme Makeover — Home Edition” from the pull-down menu.

Yours and the animals’,
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Apr 6, 2006 4:25 PM
Subject: Please Circulate - Pet Evacuation Bill, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

If you received this email twice, that is because you are subscribed to both Kinship Circle’s primary mail list (all animal issues, worldwide) AND Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Relief List. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As all of you know, we’ve been rallying to get SB-607, Louisiana’s Pet Evacuation Bill, passed.

Attached is a PRESS RELEASE volunteers will send to Louisiana (and possibly national) press contacts. (.pdf format)

If any of you have press connections, or simply want to print out the release and HELP us by contacting newspapers, TV/radio stations—we’d certainly appreciate your assistance!

If SB-607 passes, Louisiana will have laws to ensure their animals are evacuated with them. That is why circulating this release to the media, writing to Louisiana Senators/Reps, and attending the April 17 People & Pets March ARE SO VITAL to the future of animals in a disaster.

This bill sets a national precedent as well. No other disaster (that I’m aware of) in U.S. history left this many companion animals dead or stranded. If Louisiana passes this law, hopefully other states will follow suit.

The release is in PDF format. You need Acrobat Reader to open it. You can download free Acrobat Reader here: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

If you would like a TEXT-ONLY version of the press release, in Word.doc format, please request it at: info [at] kinshipcircle.org

Thanks!

Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle

****************************************

Kinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
We accept online donations at:
www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/donations.html
We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Apr 4, 2006 9:18 AM
Subject: NEVER AGAIN. People & Pets March to State Capitol

S.O.S.
People & Pets March to the State Capitol Steps

WHEN: Monday, April 17, 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Louisiana State Capitol, 900 N. 3rd St., Baton Rouge

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 504-305- 4113 or petevacuation [at] yahoo.com

PLEASE PRINT AND POST ATTACHED FLYER EVERYWHERE. (.pdf format)
In large numbers, they will hear us.
In solidarity, we will triumph for our animals.

NEVER AGAIN! SHOULD WE BE FORCED TO ABANDON OUR PETS
Bring Your Pet & March on April 17 to the State Capitol Steps in Support of The Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill (SB607):
www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=375498

Info: 504-305-4113 or email: petevacuation [at] yahoo.com

DIRECTIONS:
* If you are coming from New Orleans, take I-10 West towards Baton Rouge for approx. 78 miles.
* In Baton Rouge, watch the signs: You MUST merge onto I-110 N, via Exit 155B, toward the Business District/ Metro Airport
* (Caution: Don’t stay on I-10; it goes across the river bridge!)
* Go 1 mile on I-110 N, then take the North St. Exit/ Exit 1D, which exits on the LEFT.
* At North Street, turn LEFT. Go less than a 1/2 mile on North Street
* Then turn RIGHT onto North 3rd Street.
* End at 900 N. 3rd St., Baton Rouge, LA
* The Governor’s Mansion is on the right. The road splits with a park in the middle; to the right there is parking along the lake.
* At the next split: To the left is the State Capitol Steps.
To the right, there will be some available parking spaces and some that are reserved parking spaces.
* Proceed through the yellow caution light and there is a huge Public Parking Lot.

LOUISIANA RESIDENTS:
SB-607, The Pet Evacuation Bill must pass.

Please attend the hearing, April 18, at the State Capitol:
Senate Judiciary B Committee will hear SB 607, The Pet Evacuation Bill, on Tuesday, April 18, 2006.

WHERE: The Louisiana State Capitol
900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Senate Committee Room “E” located on the ground floor of the Capitol
(driving directions above)

WHEN: 9:00 a.m.

WHY YOUR PRESENCE IS NEEDED: You may sign in at the hearing and testify about your experiences. Or you may sign in to support SB 607 and not speak. We must fill that room with people.

“If I Leave, They Leave”
HURRICANE RESCUE SHIRTS!
acustomtshirt4u.com/1800SaveAPet
FRONT: “If I leave, they leave… In Memory of Hurricane Katrina Animals”
BACK: “Animal Rescue New Orleans. 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com” proceeds benefit ARNO

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Apr 1, 2006 10:45 PM
Subject: [ANIMALS IN DISASTER] Australia Cyclone

NOTE FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE:
Katrina awakened and mobilized us all to help forgotten victims in disaster. Eric Rice, of Eric’s Dog Blog (www.ericsdogblog.com/) fame, has created a wonderful new site to document animal disaster relief efforts worldwide.

We urge you to bookmark Animal Disaster News: www.animaldisasternews.com/. There is always a way to help with your time or contributions. As we learned from Katrina, ultimately the animals have YOU.

Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle
www.KinshipCircle.org

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ANIMAL DISASTER NEWS:
Report #1, March 24, 2006
Austria: Cyclone

Note: After Katrina we learned that communication and accurate information is critical. We found that even big organizations did not always have that information. The best information came from the field and small shelters. Often the field had no clear channel to communicate to those that might help them.

For the last 4 days we combed through all the chatter and located the local shelters who can provide accurate information and who need help. The most interesting thing to me was 1) that the shelters had not been contacted yet by any entity who might help prepare a response or offer assistance even though they are right in the middle of the disaster area and 2) They seem to have little preparation for evacuating animals in a disaster. 3) How absolutely grateful they were to get a phone call from out of the country(actually any phone call) asking what they needed and what the situation was and how we might help from afar. My goal is simply to bring awareness to animals in disasters and direct people to where their donations and resources are the most helpful. I hope you will send even a small amount to the people in need below. They are small shelters with no way to cope except donations.

Regards, Eric Rice
www.ericsdogblog.com
www.animaldisasternews.com

Location: Innisfail, Australia
Affected Area Size: 300+ Coastline Miles
Type: Category 5 Cyclone
People Affected: 100,000+ homeless
Estimate Animals Affected: 30,000+ companion animals based on 30% pet ownership rate of the homeless (unconfirmed)
Estimated Farm Animals: Unknown, reports coming
Estimated Wildlife: Unknown, reports coming
International Groups Responding: None at this time

The Category Five storm, the highest category of a cyclone, made landfall before dawn Monday (Australian time) at Innisfail, a small coastal town about 60 miles south of Cairns. It was the worst cyclone to hit Australia in some 30 years.

“Parts of the town have been devastated. This community will need a lot of help,” said Queensland Premier Peter Beattie.

* “Our problem so far has been the lack of information about immediate needs (of pet owners),” Queensland chief executive Mark Townend said
* ” 72 hours after the disaster people are just now coming out of “shock”
* ” Several tourist beaches are reported to look like beaches after the Tsunami
* ” Initial reports are that many people evacuated ahead of the Cyclone, animals taken?
* ” However recent reports are that the government response after the hurricane is falling short
* ” Beaches were forcibly evacuated and so far no one can say what was done with animals
* ” Interviews with local animal rescuers make it apparent that little effort put on animal evacuations in any previous planning
* ” First contacts very worried about a rush of animals needing to be fostered
* ” So far very few people who “would know what to look for” have been able to access the need for “search and rescue” of animals and need for “owner rescue requests” from evacuees
* ” Contacts worried that this is going to quickly snowball into a great animal crisis but have not seen it yet
* ” Given lack of experience with animals in disasters it may be that animal needs are being overlooked altogether and underreported
* ” The area affected is large and common sense would tell us that there are animal needs somewhere
* ” Nobody so far has talked of any prior plan for animals in a disaster except that Cairns Shire authorities had plans to shoot animals in the local pound in front of a storm surge so they would not drown. (we don’t consider that a plan). They did not have to resort to that because the storm surge didn’t materialize.
* ” There are already reports of authorities trying to get people to shelters who won’t go because of companion animals.
* ” The total sheltering space in the entire affected area is less than 250 animals.
* ” One local shelter speculated that many escaped pets are hiding in the woods and fields

In Harms Way
This story really brings home how bad this is. See the full story at The Australian: www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18591633%255E28737,00.html

The Queensland Government’s post-disaster management plan was under serious questioning last week after five days of hesitation, confusion and duplication.

That key lesson was not learned in Queensland, and on the ground in Innisfail the pitfalls of the operation became apparent as hundreds of Larry’s victims, desperate for food and cash handouts, were forced to queue for up to three days outside the town’s courthouse.

“People stood in the rain waiting for two days. They had nothing to eat and no cash. It’s just wrong.”

Albina Lazzarich, who with her mother runs a dog kennel at Mourilyan, broke down as she tried to salvage the few remaining possessions left undamaged by the storm. “We don’t live in Innisfail but we haven’t had anyone here to help us,” Lazzarich says.

In Innisfail, locals are struggling to come to grips with the devastation. “The worst has happened and the town and the shire we love is totally devastated,” says shell-shocked Johnstone Shire mayor Neil Clarke

Cyclone Hotline For Missing Pets
www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18575507-1248,00.html?from=rss

Cyclone Spooks Creatures in Australia
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/23/AR2006032301210.html

Cyclone Damage Stuns residents
www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1596828.htm
“A service station basically hit the side of (my house) and major damage to the side, don’t have a tree left in the yard, pets gone - they’re only minor things, but just everything you call a home is gone.”

First Pictures:
news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4820000/newsid_4826200/4826260.stm

Estimated Links
With 100,000 people now without homes more recent reports are that people are being evacuated out to Cairns 60 miles away and that they are starting to ask what to do with the animals.

Estimated Needs to support local shelters and set up temporary shelters are:
* ” Monetary Donations to the Local Shelters
* ” Personnel to assist these same small shelters with the housing and fostering of animals.
* ” Personnel to help them with basic shelter set up.
* ” Search and Rescue/ Trapping still an open question until outlying areas reached

Local Animal Response Organizations/Animal Shelters
Innisfail Animal Refuge
users.qld.chariot.net.au/~sanjo/index.html
(scroll down a bit to see the button to enter or donate)
Sandra and John Taylor
ph: 011 61 740613532

We were able to speak to her by phone for 30 minutes. This is the only shelter for the entire Innisfail area, where the storm directly hit. They get no funding except from donations. The population of the town is 20,000 but she said more if you count the areas south of her that have no shelter. She said authorities have little interest in preparing for animals in a disaster so she is very worried about what the response will be.

She said her situation is urgent. She commented that everyone seems to be in shell shock and the true extent of the devastation is just now coming to light. She predicts more animals than she could even begin to handle. No groups doing search and rescue and she couldn’t comment on if that is needed as she can’t get out into the areas that were leveled. She felt that the biggest challenge would be for the people who have lost homes and sheltering those animals.

They are the only shelter for the entire area sheltering cats and dogs and some wildlife. They sustained lots of water damage and lost pens. Lost all storage and equipment stored in sheds. Has room for only 50 dogs total when full up. + 30 cats. They are the only shelter for the entire Innisfail area. To the South of them all the way to Tully 45 Kilometers away there is no other shelter or refuge. There are 4-5 populated towns down that way and some beach towns which are rumored to be totally destroyed. She is very worried about animals left behind in those towns. She is very worried that the foster requests are going to start pouring in, “everyone knows we are the only shelter. What are people going to do with their animals?” The roads are mainly closed. The storm caused no initial flooding but now flooding is occurring in some areas due to massive rain fall. They predict power to be down for 1-3 months.

Already taken 10 animals to foster for evacuees. Can not accept any others until they get the shelter set back up.

They have no rescues or places to export animals. Once they get up and running they will only take 50 or so animals. Donations are highly recommended.

Donation:
This husband and wife team needs your help to get the shelter functional again. Any size donations will help.
Donate by Pay Pal or Credit Card at this link: users.qld.chariot.net.au/~sanjo/donations.html

If sending check send to YAPS address below made out to YAPS and Noted - “Cyclone Fund”
They can cash an American check.

Yound Animal Protection Society Inc. (YAPS)
P.O. Box 233 Smithfield Queensland 4878 Australia
Located in Cairns
www.yaps.org.au/
Carol: 011 61 740391735

She is in Cairns which is a bigger city. Carol is very concerned. This was a Cat 5 Cyclone. Her voice quivered the entire time I talked to her. She had the skin standing up on the back of my neck. She says any report that is coming out of this area that says everything us under control is false. She says it is too early to tell but that common sense is telling her that BIG problems are on the way for animals. She said the RSPCA in Cairns is smaller than her shelter. She said the RSPCA will act like they have it under control but that they won’t have much more of a plan than anyone else. She said how could it be under control when we might be talking about 20-50,000 animals. Her first visit to the RSPCA was to ask for a food donation and they replied - NO.

I asked her what the pet ownership rates are and she said - high. I said 30% and she said yes probably or higher. She said the affected animals could be in the many thousands. THEY HAVE LITTLE PLANNING FOR ANIMALS BEFORE AND AFTER DISASTERS. Her shires Cyclone Planning just 18 months ago included plans to shoot animals. She said that the entire area has only 3- 4 small shelters, all run by one or two people.

There are 200,000 people eating over cooking fires with people whose houses were not destroyed pitching in food. They have not heard from some of the areas yet. Mission Beach and other beaches in farther out area are reported to be leveled and look just like the beaches we saw after the Tsunami. The entire area affected is 400 miles. They also have little contact with the farming areas who she says all have farm dogs and cats and some livestock. These areas can’t even be reached.

She is getting reports that people have their animals tied near homes that were destroyed. The military is pushing people to go to the shelters BUT they have no plans for animals. She has already had calls from people begging her to take animals so they can go to the shelter themselves. She doesn’t at all think things are under control. She thinks that they are unprepared for animals that the outside world may never hear of animal problems in this. Her opinion is that it is going to snowball into a major problem and that very few of the people who need help with actually get it or even come forward.

Donation:
Small shelter with no public funding. American Checks accepted. No pay pal.
Young Animal Protection Society Inc.
P.O. Box 233 Smithfield Queensland 4878 Australia
If sending check send to YAPS address made out to YAPS and Noted - “Cyclone Fund”
They can cash an American check.

Ingham Refuge
Kerrie
ph: 011 61 74777506
Nobody has been able to make contact so far. She is in one of the most devastated areas.

RSPCA Queensland
24 Hour Call Center - 011 61 7 3426 9999

Press Release 10/23/06: RSPCA and DPI prepare for Animal Welfare crisis
“In the wake of Cyclone Larry, RSPCA Qld and Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries are bracing for an animal welfare crisis. Representatives of the charity have met with managers from the Department in order to map out a plan of action to cope with the mounting problems affecting domestic and farm animals…”

Spoke with Annette Harder who is in charge of assessment. She is trying to access the impact on animals. She feels that the situation could be much worse than is being reported. She is very worried about animals to the South in Innisfail. She is also very worried about the need for a temporary shelter to fosters animals for those without homes.
They have little access to the areas so far.

A Hotline for missing pets has been set up.

NEW REPORT COMING SOON

***************************************

TO SUBSCRIBE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF ALERTS:
email info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] brick.net

IN YOUR EMAIL, STATE:
–SUBSCRIBE TO KC ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF ALERTS (STATE IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF LOUISIANA)

***************************************

*DISCLAIMER: Information in all alerts is verified with original sources, to the best of our ability. We cannot assume responsibility for the consequences of its use. Kinship Circle

***************************************

BEAR WITNESS. SPEAK. DEMAND. ACT.
Kinship Circle - Letter Campaigns I Literature I Action For Animals
Brenda Shoss, president * Janet Enoch, vice-president
info [at] kinshipcircle.org
www.KinshipCircle.org

Kinship Circle is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
We accept online donations at:
www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/donations.html
We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Apr 1, 2006 10:22 PM
Subject: [GULF COAST] RESCUE NEEDS & NEWS 4/1/06

permission to crosspost
4/1/06: HURRICANE RESCUE NEEDS & NEWS

IN THIS ALERT:
1. News Bits
2. Volunteers Needed To Load Hay For Transport
3. Days Old Pups & Other St. Martin Pound Animals Need Rescue
4. Need Testimonials From LA Evacuees Forced To Leave Without Animals
5. Never Lose Hope In Search For Your Cats
6. 43 Animals Transported From NOLA Get Major Press & Launch 2006 Rescue Campaign
7. Spay/Louisiana Steps Up Commitment To Spay/Neuter Aid
8. Katrina Dog Lost To Improper Heartworm Treatment
9. Animal-Concerned Senator Blocks Coast Guard Promotion

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1. NEW BITS

–Hurricane Katrina…and the forgotten victims
Breathtaking slide show, set to music
www.forpitssake.org/katrina.html

–From Mimi Smith, the lawyer working on some Katrina reunification cases:
The American Bar Association has instigated a project to draft model laws on pet disaster relief; including memoranda of understanding on animal removal, and addressing the issue of moving animals and controlled substances (medicines, I assume) across state lines. It’s just a model, but important.
Marnie Reeder, starbright60 [at] webtv.net

–National Disaster Animal Relief & Supply (NDARS) is a group of rescue volunteers providing Foster Care, Supplies (crates, food, medical items),Transportation and other items needed for Major Disasters, such as Katrina was. There will be a coordinator for every state involved, as well as a central database to volunteer goods or services.

Please join the effort, it is going to take all of us to make a difference: groups.yahoo.com/group/NDARS/join
JoAnne Reints, Vice-President, National Disaster Animal Relief & Supply
ndars2 [at] yahoo.com

–New ARNO items available for sale:
www.cafepress.com/arno_saf

–(Cher) amour_de_faune [at] yahoo.com writes: Animal Planet is taking nominations for animal “Hero of the Year.” Boy, countless heroes rose out of this disaster, but I can not think of anyone more worthy than Jane Garrison.
Entry form: animal.discovery.com/sweepstakes/hero/2006/entryform.html
Hero of the Year info: animal.discovery.com/sweepstakes/hero/2006/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LOAD HAY FOR TRANSPORT

SOURCE: Annj [at] CGraphics.com

3,400 bales of hay in Mocksville, North Carolina are awaiting transport to Gulf Coast storm areas.

CONTACT: Ann Jordon – cell: 704-287-7512; email: Annj [at] CGraphics.com

WHAT: Kindhearted, strong-muscled individuals are needed to load hay for transport. It will take 7 tractor trailers to move these bales of hay. If you know anyone who may have access to forklift type machinery, please invite them.

WHEN: Trucks ready to load hay at 8:00 a.m., April 8 & April 15, Saturdays.

WHERE: Interstate 40 Exit 174.
Actual location is 1 mile off the Interstate, in Mocksville, NC 27028.

CONTACT: Ann Jordon – cell: 704-287-7512; email: Annj [at] CGraphics.com

NOTE: Hay has been located all over the USA. There is a large portion in South Carolina. Need a few vans and many, many flat beds to haul rolls of hay. Should you be able to help, or know anyone who can help, please contact Ann Jordan. This hay will go to Gulfport, MS and along the coast of Louisiana to several different distribution centers.

CONTACT: Ann Jordon – cell: 704-287-7512; email: Annj [at] CGraphics.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

3. DAYS OLD PUPS & OTHER ST. MARTIN POUND ANIMALS NEED RESCUE

SOURCE: Marie St Martin, St. Martin Humane Society, Louisiana
337-277-9538, 337-879-6600
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006

Sara Glasgow, the Animal Control Officer for St. Martin Parish, rescued a dog today with 11 three day old puppies and is begging for help. This mother dog was in an altercation with a man who was apparently either trying to take her puppies or trying to take the rabbit she had caught. Witnesses were about to shoot the dog when Sara arrived. The dog had 15 puppies but 4 were dead and looked as though they had been dragged out of the den. Sara says this dog is the sweetest thing and she has no doubt the dog was provoked.

The dog is a Lab mix and her puppies (black, white or black/white) are just gorgeous. Some money is being raised for this doggie family to help whoever offers to take them with their care (so far $80, probably more coming).

IF YOU CAN HELP, CONTACT:
Sara Glasgow, St. Martin Parish Animal Control Officer
337-316-0160 or 337-394-1220.
St. Martin Parish Animal Control Facility located in St. Martinville, LA.

PS: There are other beautiful dogs in the St. Martin pound who need help.
See: www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=1&petShelterid=LA121&preview=1#
There is also a potbelly pig (not on the list)

Thanks!
Marie Bossard, St. Martin Humane Society, Louisiana
www.stmartinhumane.org

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

4. NEED TESTIMONIALS FROM LA EVACUEES FORCED TO LEAVE WITHOUT THEIR ANIMALS

SOURCE: Cathy Wells, wellsc [at] legis.state.la.us
Sent: Tue, 14 Mar 2006
View Louisiana’s Pet Evacuation Bill: www.legis.state.la.us/

Senator Fontenot (District 13, Louisiana) needs statements from Katrina evacuees who were stopped from evacuating with their pets. Testimonials will be heard in phases, with the most “hard-hitting” cases essential for the first meeting and all cases helpful in urging passage of Louisiana’s emergency Pet Evacuation Standards Bill.

Cathy Wells, a staff member from Sen. Fontenot’s office, is collecting statements from affected parties.

Were you, or someone you know, forced to evacuate without your animal companions? Your willingness to speak out is instrumental in influencing legislators to support the Pet Evacuation Bill.

CONTACT: Cathy Wells, wellsc [at] legis.state.la.us

The bill should be heard in Senate Committee either the week of April 3 or 10.

CONTACT: Cathy Wells, wellsc [at] legis.state.la.us

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5. NEVER LOSE HOPE IN SEARCH FOR YOUR CATS

SOURCE: Jane Garrison, janegarrison [at] comcast.net
Sent: Thu, 30 Mar 2006

We just heard about a cat ARNO had searched for since September. Angel was evacuated after the hurricane in her carrier (in a boat) with four other cats when the carrier broke. Angel ran and was never seen again. We sent trappers and feeders out to look for Angel numerous times….no luck. Angel’s mom put flyers and ads everywhere around NOLA and never gave up hope. She just got a call from a man who saw the flyers and said he had been feeding the cat for the past 2 months! Angel’s mom is in Oregon so she sent a friend to identify Angel…sure enough it was her. So, she was caught, examined by a vet, and now going home to Oregon almost 7 months later!!

Do not give up looking for your animals. Put their photos everywhere in your neighborhood and continue to leave food and water at your home. Cats typically do not stray too far but may have gone several blocks to find food so be sure to hang flyers in a 10 block radius (at least). This is only one of many reunions we have seen…you could be next! Don’t give up…

Warm wishes,
Jane Garrison

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6. 43 ANIMALS TRANSPORTED FROM NOLA GET MAJOR PRESS & LAUNCH 2006 RESCUE CAMPAIGN

SOURCE: Garo Alexanian, pettalklive [at] yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, March 31, 2006

EDITED FOR LENGTH
View photos and news report videos at: www.CompanionAnimalNetworkTV.org
…The Companion Animal Network has planned, over the last six months, to make our biggest effort yet…when the need and void is actually greatest due to the lack of out of state volunteers and organizations.

Our plan was to trap dogs and cats and bring them back to several New York and New Jersey area shelters with whom we had an agreement to open up new cage space so no other animal would be euthanized. We also brought custom tracking software, thanks to the efforts of whiz database programmer Joe Polivick of Cincinnati, for lifetime tracking of the animals whose lives would be entrusted to us… We rented a 24 ft truck for $3000 for 2 weeks and filled it with 9,000 lbs of hay donated from a wonderful farmer in South Plymouth, NY, Gif Foster of Foggy Bottom Farms. We delivered the hay to Gulfport, MS where there is little hay for farm animals, and also to Fireside Rescue in Carriere, MS…

Upon arriving in N.O., we were surprised to find that the packs of dogs had long moved on from their previous hiding areas as those areas now had lights, generators, mobile homes, work crews, etc. The animals are still out there but now they have migrated into other areas where there is more shrubbery and less activity…

So we thought about taking animals from the area’s kill shelters instead. First we visited the LASPCA’s new shelter in Algiers as we’d heard rumors they were euthanizing animals like crazy. Nothing could have been further from the truth… They informed us they’d had little need to euthanize. Only the very sick and very aggressive dogs. Our standards of very sick and very aggressive are certain to vary but we must NOT circulate false rumors…

The LASPCA informed us that the outer Parishes, however, are doing a lot of euthanizing. They put us in contact with St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish animal control officers. One by one outer Parishes called us when word got around. Jefferson, St. Johns, St. Charles all asked if we had room for animals they were about to euthanize, and within 48 hours we had their animal control trucks deliver almost 40 animals who were all to be put down that Friday (March 10th) to the wonderful Southern Animal Foundation…

Including some feral cats and ARNO rescues (god bless Robin and Charlotte and Brian at ARNO–three of the most competent animal people I have ever met) and one owner reunification cat headed for Maine thanks to Wendy Roberts of Massachusetts, we had a total of 45 animals to take care of for 1300 miles… Jeff Dorsen, President of the Humane Society of Louisiana, unable to find anyone in his group to go on such short notice, stepped up to the plate personally and made the ride with me…

We had pre-prepared with the partnering shelters to do news releases upon our return BEFORE we left NYC. The two NYC area shelters, one in South Jersey and one in Westchester County, put their news releases out and both got immediate media attention. NBC affiliate WCAU-TV and ABC affiliate WPVI-TV in Philadelphia both reported on the trip as did Channel 12 in Westchester (videos on our home page), in addition to several local newspapers. It made the Associated Press newswire and WINS all news radio. Both shelters had their phones ringing off the hooks and within the first week many of the animals were adopted out.

…Having realized that the animal need now for the Katrina affected Gulf Coast in 2006 is transports, transports, and more transports, we have approached some of the same partnering groups on how to continue these transports once a month at least through the end of the grueling summer. Amazingly, some of the major organizations have stepped up to the plate (again) and it looks like monthly transports removing animals from the N.O area kill shelters will become a reality starting the week of April 17. Watch out for a major announcement very soon.

In the meanwhile, please check out the FACES OF THE SAVED on our home page at www.CompanionAnimalNetworkTV.org.

…60% of the population of the Gulf Coast was absorbed into the rest of the country, it is our obligation to do the same for the animal population.

Garo Alexanian, Companion Animal Network
PO Box 750214; Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-544-PETS(7387)

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7. SPAY/LOUISIANA STEPS UP COMMITMENT TO SPAY/NEUTER AID

SOURCE: Julie Becker, Executive Director, Spay/Louisiana, julie [at] spaylouisiana.org
Join Spay/Louisiana mailing list: spaylouisiana.org/mailinglist.html

The first project on our schedule is a spay/neuter voucher program that will provide assistance for cats and dogs who are permanent residents of certain households in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Orleans and Jefferson. For a limited time, all current residents of Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parish will qualify for this program. Hurricane-impacted and low-income residents of Orleans and Jefferson Parish will also be eligible. Caretakers of feral and free-roaming cats within the four-parish area will be invited to use spay/neuter vouchers as part of responsible colony management and TNR efforts. We hope to launch the voucher program in late spring, and are working hard to nail down all the details.

We’re pleased to be able to add to the important efforts of existing spay/neuter programs, and look forward to working with the animal care, control and welfare community to ensure that our combined efforts result in an increased number of surgeries performed, and a decreased number of animals becoming entering our community shelters and rescue programs.

We are very pleased to have the support and participation of the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association for this project. This organization represents nearly 200 veterinarians across southeast Louisiana, and has a long history of compassionate service. This project will be funded through a generous grant from the ASPCA.

Future projects also planned for 2006 include spay/neuter efforts specifically targeting the feral and free-roaming cat population, and a high-volume, long-term project that will deliver high-quality spay/neuter services for animals in shelters and foster care programs.

If you’d like to receive more information about this project as it progresses, or if you would like to learn more about how your shelter or rescue agency may become a voucher distribution partner, just visit the Spay/Louisiana web site to add yourself to our mailing list: spaylouisiana.org/mailinglist.html

ABOUT SPAY/LOUISIANA - Spay/Louisiana’s mission is to help end pet overpopulation in Louisiana by increasing access to high-quality sterilization surgery for cats and dogs that are most likely to add to our state’s homeless pet population. Spay/Louisiana began in 2002, as a grassroots effort to identify spay/neuter and animal care, control and welfare resources across Louisiana. The results of that on-going effort are used to provide referrals to spay/neuter assistance programs across Louisiana, and are published in the Louisiana Animal Welfare Directory.

Julie Becker, Spay/Louisiana, julie [at] spaylouisiana.org
Box 11149; Jefferson, LA 70181
spaylouisiana.org

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8. KATRINA DOG LOST TO IMPROPER HEARTWORM TREATMENT

SOURCE: Terry Thistlethwaite, Chekia Dog Rescue, avondell [at] juno.com
Sent: Mon, 27 Mar 2006
Hurricane Katrina Rescue Dogs Fund Raiser: thebengalmagazine.com/ChekiaFundRaiser.html

Dear Readers

Three days ago, I lost one of my Hurricane Katrina rescue dogs to an embolism in his heart. He died very suddenly, and my vet said that even if she had been with him, there was nothing she could have done for him. I held him in my arms as his life slipped quickly and peacefully from his Body. It was shocking, horrific, and totally unnecessary.

Noah was a two year old Lab mix who came to us “in great health” except for a positive heartworm check. It was not the heartworm, however, that killed him, it was the heartworm treatment. He died four months after receiving the treatment, and autopsy showed no heartworms in his body.

As it happened, three of the Katrina Rescue Dogs I received had heartworm. Noah was the only one who went to a foster home - a decision I will always regret. The foster person thought she was doing “a great thing” by taking her vet’s advice, and not mine, and having Noah treated with the chemical injections for heartworm rather than the alternative, homeopathic, and supportive treatment I had instructed her to use. She returned Noah to me after the injections, proud of her deceitful yet “veterinary approved” actions.

Noah came back from heartworm treatment looking worse than the day he was pulled from the flood water in New Orleans. He was thin, had a dry coat, and huge tear stains under his eyes that made it look as tho he’d been crying for weeks. I was able to get him back into good weight and coat, but the damage the drugs had done to his heart proved to be irreparable. He survived only four months after that, despite quiet conditions and monitored exercise.

The other two heartworm positive dogs I have here are doing well on homeopathic paratox and diatomaceous earth as their heartworm treatment. Princess, the elderly Poodle who came to me with pneumonia and lung damage, as well as mammary tumors, continues to amaze my vet with her steady improvements. Emily, the American Eskimo who also tested positive, has grown a huge coat and wonderful state of health, as well. Both are allowed to exercise freely.

The other American Eskimo who came to me from Katrina, BabyFace, was rescued from a flooded home along with a young Husky mix who was taken by another rescuer. As the two were very bonded, we had hoped to reunite them for adoption. The last I heard, however, the Husky was throwing up blood as a result of the chemical heartworm treatment, and her survival was unlikely.

Please be aware that the chemical heartworm treatment kills dogs - and kills young and otherwise healthy dogs. It is NOT the “only option” for treating heartworm. It is, however, the most potentially dangerous option.

Terry Thistlethwaite, Chekia Dog Rescue
In Memory Of Noah, and on behalf of those his death may serve to save.

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9. ANIMAL-CONCERNED SENATOR BLOCKS COAST GUARD PROMOTION

SOURCE: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/20/AR2006032001104.html

Senator Blocking Coast Guard Promotion
The Associated Press
Monday, March 20, 2006

WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, a former veterinarian who criticized pet evacuation efforts after Hurricane Katrina, is blocking the promotion of a Coast Guard vice admiral who headed the hurricane recovery.

President Bush nominated Vice Adm. Thad W. Allen to be commandant of the Coast Guard in January. It was approved on a voice vote last week by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Allen was put in charge of Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in September after the Bush administration pulled then-FEMA director Michael Brown off the job.

Jack Finn, a spokesman for Ensign, refused Monday to say why the senator is blocking Allen’s confirmation by the full Senate.

“We have some questions we want to have answered and we anticipate having them answered before too long,” Finn said.

Ensign visited the Gulf Coast in late September, a month after Katrina hit, and met with Allen to press him to better coordinate animal rescue efforts. He said that in addition to concerns about the animals’ welfare, abandoned pets could cause a public health risk.

Under Senate procedures, any senator can block a vote on a confirmation or a piece of legislation by raising an objection. That objection can be overcome with 60 votes in the 100-member Senate.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF ALERTS:
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IN YOUR EMAIL, STATE:
–SUBSCRIBE TO KC ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF ALERTS (STATE IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF LOUISIANA)

*DISCLAIMER: Information in all alerts is verified with original sources, to the best of our ability. We cannot assume responsibility for the consequences of its use. Kinship Circle

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We are grateful for your support!

—– Original Message —–
From: Kinship Circle - info [at] kinshipcircle.org>
Date: Mar 29, 2006 1:20 PM
Subject: LETTER/ Critical State Pet Evacuation Bill

PLEASE SEND COMMENTS ASAP. The Senate Judiciary B Committee may hear SB 607,The Pet Evacuation Bill, on Tuesday, April 18. Take action now–whether you live in Louisiana or not–to ensure animals are not left behind in a disaster.

3/29/06–Critical State Pet Evacuation Bill
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN
www.kinshipcircle.org

SOURCE OF INFORMATION
Shannon Moore, shann_moore [at] yahoo.com

SENATE BILL NO. 607 BY SENATOR FONTENOT
www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=375498

Bill Maps a Pet Evacuation Route
www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-pets26mar26,1,7592180.story

EVERYONE:
You may email ALL LOUISIANA STATE SENATORS by copying the email block below into the Bcc (blind copy) line of your email. Enter your own email address in the To line and hit Send.

ACTIVISTS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES:
To ensure your comments are not blocked, please send your email to someone in the U.S.A. to forward on your behalf.

LOUISIANA RESIDENTS:
In addition to writing all Louisiana Senators, please ask your elected Senators who represent the district you live in to support SB 607, The Pet Evacuation Bill.

TO SEND LETTERS BY FAX OR POSTAL MAIL:
Please see complete contact information for every LA State Senator, following sample letter.

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SAMPLE LETTER & EMAIL BLOCK
*Personalizing your comments adds impact
FULL CONTACT INFO (street addresses, fax/phone) follows sample letter
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Dear Senator,

Thank you,

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COMPLETE CONTACT INFORMATION
senate.legis.state.la.us/Senators/Default.asp
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