PETITION TARGETS: U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
UPDATE (12/8/2021): The PREPARED Act was introduced to the 117th Congress on Feb. 26, 2021, with new bill number H.R. 1442 and as sponsored by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV). The legislation currently is in the subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. —Lady Freethinker Staff
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Amid the coronavirus scare, thousands of animals are at risk of being trapped and alone, including innocent dogs who could be abandoned in puppy mills and left to languish without food or water. These pups already endure a life of suffering and are even more vulnerable as businesses close their doors without disaster plans in place.
Hungry and confused, these poor creatures — and thousands of others in roadside zoos, research labs and more — could wither down to skin and bones while desperately awaiting their guardians’ uncertain return. They deserve to be protected from starvation and abandonment.
After Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, aimed at protecting household pets and service animals during emergencies. Unfortunately, animals stuck in commercial facilities are not covered under the law.
H.R. 1042, or the Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disaster (PREPARED) Act, would require all facilities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act to have approved emergency response plans in place to help the animals in their care should a disaster occur, holding commercial animal dealers, exhibitors, and research labs throughout the United States responsible for ensuring that animals receive adequate protection during distressing times.
As the most recent pandemic shows, tragedy can strike in an instant. Congress must act diligently to ensure that animals are not left behind in times of crisis.
Sign this petition urging the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to treat this legislation with the urgency it deserves and immediately work to pass the PREPARED Act, protecting dogs trapped in puppy mills, captive wildlife in roadside zoos, animals caged in research labs and other animals during emergencies.
