[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1862-E1863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PETS EVACUATION AND TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2006

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a supporter of 
H.R. 3858, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act. I was 
disappointed to miss the original rollcall vote on this important bill. 
Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' in support of allowing 
people to save their vulnerable pets in the event of an emergency.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. It will require 
local governments to include in their emergency plan options to 
accommodate people with pets or service animals. One of the most 
heartbreaking elements of the Hurricane Katrina aftermath was seeing 
the number of pets that were abandoned throughout the gulf coast and 
the number of people who stayed to care for their pets rather than 
leave them behind. People should not be forced to choose between their 
own safety and leaving their beloved pets. There is also

[[Page E1863]]

a health and safety concern created in a disaster area when a large 
number of animals are stranded.
  People have a connection with their pets. They know that animals 
trust their caretakers to take care of them and not leave them 
abandoned. It is important that we give people the choice to bring 
their animals with them in an emergency, especially since they can 
serve as a source of comfort during a troubling time.

                          ____________________