|
|
|
| |
TO ALL
MEDIA PERSONNEL
PREPARING HURRICANE ADVISORIES |
 | |
| The North American Pet Owners Alliance Inc. is a non-profit animal rescue group. We head the committee for animal rescue for the American Red Cross Disaster Services (VOAD). |
| Emergency plans are already in place to assist pet owners before, during, or after a hurricane. Unfortunately, most pet owners have no idea what they should be doing to protect their animal friends, and as a result, some owners died during Andrew, because they refused to leave their pets and go to a shelter. |
In the weeks following Andrew:
- 4000 pets strayed and were killed by Animal Control and the Humane Society
- Approximately 800 strays were saved by rescue groups and shipped out of the area
- 137 were reported to us as dead in swimming pools, tied to fences, or in bathrooms
- 175 saved by rescue groups were euthanized due to severe injuries
- ??? Unknown numbers were shot and killed by National Guardsmen and frightened citizens
Our computerized lost and found system shows 413 pets reported lost by their owners and now presumed dead or stolen, as well as almost 900 pets found and held by citizens, but we cannot find the owners.
Please call us for full information to include in your hurricane preparedness advisories, or simply include our 800 number so that your readers/viewers at least know where to call for information. There are approximately 450,000 registered pets in the Tri-County area, and Animal Control agencies estimate twice that number that are not registered.
PET OWNERS JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. PLEASE HELP. THANKS!!
Capt. Ron F. Fach - Director
North American Pet Owners Alliance Inc. |
|
|
| |
