PETA Offers Monrovia-Area Residents Urgent Information for Safeguarding Animals Amid Mudslide Fears

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves During Evacuations

For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2014

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Monrovia, Calif. –

As evacuations are ordered while the area continues to be threatened by flooding and debris flows, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of animal companions. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, companion birds, and other animals who need to be included in evacuation plans:

In the event that your area is evacuated, never leave companion animals behind to fend for themselves. They aren’t any better equipped to survive disasters than humans are.
Know your destination ahead of time. Shelters for human victims don’t often allow animals, but motels in the area will probably accept them in an emergency. Call destinations in advance, and find out which ones will accommodate you and your animals.
Place small animals in secure carriers. Dogs should be leashed with harnesses because frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt and strangle. Take water and food bowls, your animal’s favorite toy or blanket, a towel, and enough food for at least one week.
During a flood, never leave your animals outdoors, tied up, or confined in any way, as they will be trapped and unable to flee rising waters. (Please click on the hyperlinks to see photos of dogs who were left outside during past storms.)
- Make sure that dogs and cats are microchipped, and put legible ID tags with your phone number on them so that your animal companions can be found if they get separated from you.

Print: A copy of PETA’s disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here. TV: A copy of PETA’s disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here. Radio: A copy of PETA’s disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.