For Immediate Release:
October 18, 2019
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Tampa, Fla. – As Tropical Storm Nestor is approaching and a storm surge warning is in effect in your area, animals are at risk, and can be injured or killed, too.
Animals should never be left tied up or trapped inside crates, pens, or hutches, as they will be unable to flee from flying debris, collapsing structures, and rising floodwaters. (Hyperlinks show photos of trapped dogs during past storms.)
Should conditions worsen and evacuations be ordered, animals must never be left behind. Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to drown or starve may be prosecuted. During Hurricane Irma, more than 50 tethered cats and dogs were rescued by animal control officers in Palm Beach County, and authorities announced that they would pursue felony cruelty-to-animals charges against anyone found to have left animals behind to die.
PETA has released a disaster-preparedness public service announcement. Make plans to ensure the safety of animal companions in advance of trouble, to avoid being caught unprepared. For more information, please visit PETA.org.
