Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves

For Immediate Release:
October 12, 2009

Contact:
Holly Beal 757-622-7382

Cashmere, Wash. -- In the wake of wildfire evacuations in Cashmere, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of animal companions. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, companion birds, and other animals who need to be included in evacuation plans:

*  In the event that your area is evacuated, never leave animal companions behind to fend for themselves. They aren't any better equipped to survive disasters than humans are.

*  Know your destination ahead of time. Shelters often do not accept animals, but motels in the area will probably accept cats, dogs, and other small animals in an emergency. Call destinations in advance, and find out which ones will accommodate you and your animals. Do not plan to leave animals unsupervised in a car; they can suffer from heatstroke once ambient temperatures rise above 70 degrees, even if water is provided and the windows are slightly open.

*  Place small animals in secure carriers. Dogs should be leashed with harnesses because frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt and get strangled. Take water and food bowls, your animal's favorite toy or blanket, a towel, and enough food for at least one week.

*  Put ID tags on your animals so that your companions can be found in case they get separated from you.

For additional disaster-preparedness tips and to view or request a copy of PETA's wildfire public service announcement (PSA) featuring Ali MacGraw, please visit HelpingAnimals.com. MacGraw--whose many film credits include Love Story and The Getaway--has been the victim of a wildfire herself. She lost everything in a California wildfire in the 1990s. In the PSA, MacGraw makes a heartfelt plea for residents to include their animal family members in their evacuation plans.