PETA Offers Urgent Tips on Safeguarding Animals During Severe Thunderstorms

Group Warns That Leaving Animals Unattended During Severe Weather Could Turn Fatal

For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2016

Contact:
Lauren Rutkowski 202-483-7382

With severe thunderstorms and the threat of tornadoes affecting your area, PETA is offering important advice to help ensure the safety of companion animals during the storm and should tornadoes hit. Please use the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, rabbits and other companion animals who need to be included in tornado and other disaster-preparation plans:

• Bring animals inside. Never leave them chained or penned up outside. If you seek safety within your residence, include any rabbits, dogs or cats, or other animals who can be brought indoors. Dogs have been sucked into the air, doghouse and all, during tornadoes.
• If you need to move to a stronger structure, know your destination ahead of time. Although emergency shelters sometimes turn away animals, motels in the area are likely to accept dogs, cats, and other small animals in an emergency. Do not plan to leave animals unsupervised in a car—they can suffer from heatstroke once the ambient temperature rises above 70 degrees, even if water is available and the windows are slightly open, or the car may be overturned or crushed during a significant storm.
• Move small animals in secure carriers, and keep dogs leashed. Frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt. Take water and food bowls, a favorite toy, a blanket, a towel, and enough food for at least a week.
• Watch for other animals in need, including strays and animals who may have been left behind by neighbors. If you see an animal in distress and are unable to help, note the animal’s location and call authorities for help immediately.

Please visit PETA.org for additional disaster-preparedness tips, or click here to view or link to PETA’s disaster-preparedness public service announcement.