ALLPET.COM
877-687-3601/www.AllPet.com
Super storm Sandy
caused widespread damage to a large part of the east coast. Thousands of people were forced from their
homes due to unsafe living conditions caused by flooding and fires. Unfortunately, the hardships didn't end there
for most people, especially for those
who own pets.
With limited space
and power in shelters many were forced into hotels, which don’t all allow
pets. Some find it hard to understand
why animals are a large concern in disasters that claim many human lives, but
owners feel an attachment and a responsibility to protect their pets as if they
are a member of the family. Many owners
would risk their lives for their pets which forces them to stay in evacuated areas
which further endangered the lives of first responders who have to go back for
them.
In New York City and Long Island, the ASPCA has rescued more
than 300 animals and treated or provided supplies to over 13,000. The city took in about 400 animals along with
their families just days following Sandy, and is currently housing more than
100. Search and rescue teams were led by
Animal Care & Control of NYC in areas that seem to be hit hard by the storm
and the following nor’easter.
Manhattan shelters took in animals around the clock, waiting
for owners to show up. Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter were scoured by pet owners hoping
to reunite pets with owner through reports, pictures and pages created to help locate
them. Rescuing animals is mandatory
according to federal law, which requires local and state governments to include
pets in their plans for emergency procedures.
Federal Emergency Management Agency funds are allocated to the welfare
of animals in disaster zones.
During this difficult
time, NYC’s human shelters are required to accept pets as well as public
transportation. It will most likely be a
month before there are any accurate estimates on how many pets have lost their life
or were lost during the two storms. All
resources are being exhausted to try and rebuild after this terrible natural
disaster.
