Urgent From PETA: Wildfire Survival Tips for Animals in Oklahoma
For Immediate Release:
April 13, 2018
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
As counties in Oklahoma are under a red flag warning for wildfires (including Woods, Woodward, Beckham, Kiowa, Jackson, Comanche, Garfield, Kay, Custer, Oklahoma, Grady, and Stephens) and a state of emergency has been declared, animals are at risk and must be kept indoors and will die if abandoned during any evacuations that may occur.
Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep animals indoors and avoid all outdoor activities, such as running with dogs. If visibility is less than 5 miles, smoke has compromised the air quality and reached unsafe levels. People who see animals in distress and are unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
PETA has released a wildfire-preparedness public service announcement. Make plans to ensure the safety of animal companions in advance of trouble in order to avoid being caught unprepared. For more information, please visit PETA.org.
If additional wildfires start or spread over the weekend and evacuation becomes necessary, animals must never be left behind. Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend for themselves may be prosecuted.
