Prior to its summer recess Aug. 4, the U.S. Senate passed S.B. 2548. The House of Representatives passed its version of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act in May. Since the versions differ slightly, the bills will need to go to a conference committee where the differences will be reconciled. The final legislation will then be sent to President Bush for his signature into law or veto.
The PETS Act would amend a federal law called the Stafford Act to require the director of FEMA, in approving standards for state and local disaster preparedness plans, to ensure the plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals. The bill would also allow the director of FEMA to make financial contributions to state and local authorities for animal emergency preparedness purposes, including establishing shelters to accommodate people with pets and service animals.
Leave a comment