PETA Offers Hawaii County Residents Urgent Information for Safeguarding Animals During Evacuations

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves

For Immediate Release:
February 27, 2010

Contact:
Robbyn Brooks 757-622-7382

Hawaii County, Hawaii -- As your area evacuates and braces for a potential tsunami caused by the catastrophic earthquake in Chile, 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.

PETA's disaster preparedness public service announcement is available upon request. For more information, please visit HelpingAnimals.com, where you can also find a list of animal shelters and accommodations that allow animals in your area.