State Senator Stephen M. Sweeney

SWEENEY BILL REQUIRING PETS TO BE PART OF EMERGENCY PLANS RECEIVES FINAL APPROVAL

TRENTON - Legislation sponsored by Senator Stephen M. Sweeney to expand State and local emergency operations plans to include pets during a major disaster or emergency was approved by the full Senate today by a vote of 40 to 0.

"Recent tragedies like hurricanes Katrina and Rita remind us that emergency preparedness is important for all members of our households, including our pets," said Senator Sweeney, D-Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem. "Thousand of household pets were separated from their owners in last year's storms, but it doesn't have to be that way.
"Regardless of where you live, you should have emergency plans for your pets that include where you can bring them if you are forced to evacuate your home," said Senator Sweeney. It's also important to carry food and water, and have your pets properly tagged in case you get separated."

The bill, S-1681, would require the State Office of Emergency Management, counties and municipalities to include in their emergency operations plans provisions to support the needs of individuals with a household pet or service animal during a major disaster or emergency.

"Reminding owners to bring their pets or service animals with them will ensure that more people will evacuate when required," said Senator Sweeney. "This bill will help protect the public and their pets, because we have seen in past disasters that some people will not leave without their animals. Some owners even try to return in unsafe conditions to search for their pets," said Senator Sweeney. This bill would help spare residents the heartache of losing a pet during a crisis."

The bill now heads to the Governor's office for enactment.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sara Ryan
New Jersey Senate Democratic Office
Tel: (609) 292-5215
E-Mail: sryan@njleg.org
Web: www.njsendems.com