The SPCA wants animals included in emergency legislation.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/.SPCA
January 15, 2020 - 8:06 AM
Spurred on by devastating reports from Australia, the SPCA is asking British Columbians to show their support for including animals in emergency planning and response.
During 2017 and 2018 we saw the impacts here at home of the worst flood and wildfire seasons we’ve ever seen with tens of thousands of people evacuated. The BCSPCA deployed staff and resources to help pets and pet guardians under evacuation orders.
"The B.C. government is seeking input on modernizing B.C.’s Emergency Management Legislation by Jan. 31," an SPCA press release reads. "Currently B.C.’s emergency legislation does not require local authorities to include domestic animals into emergency planning, response or emergency support services."
This causes serious consequences for both animals and humans such as the loss of animal lives, increased likelihood of pet owners failing to evacuate as a result of their pet, individuals re-entering evacuation zones to rescue animals, emergency responders entering hazardous areas to rescue individuals who have remained or re-entered for animals;
They say lack of planning also causes mental health implications for animal owners and rescuers and increased risks to animal welfare organizations’ personnel.
If you'd like to help them tell Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General that British Columbians care about animals in emergencies the petition is here.
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