Illinois law to benefit pet owners in disasters

NAPERVILLE, ILL.–– Illinois joins nine other states in passing a law requiring emergency measures to accommodate the needs of pet and service-animal owners during major disasters.

H.B. 4804, introduced by Rep. Art Tenhouse, R-93, was signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in January and will go into effect June 1.

States are adjusting to prevent what happened during Hurricane Katrina: Thousands of pets and owners separated because many federal and state laws did not include arrangements for owners and their animals in emergency preparedness plans, says the Humane Society of the United States.

"Disaster can strike at any time and any place. As we learned from Hurricane Katrina, every family must have a disaster plan that includes their pets. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets," says Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of HSUS. "We applaud Illinois lawmakers for taking steps to ensure that when disaster strikes, no pet will be left behind."

Similar laws have passed in California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. A resolution was passed in New Mexico. Virginia, Washington, Connecticut, Arizona and Texas have similar bills pending, says the HSUS.