Titus bill would expand animal welfare

WASHINGTON — Pet wholesalers, breeders, zoos, circuses and laboratories that use animals in research would be required to develop and report plans to shield or evacuate the creatures during emergencies under a bill that was reintroduced Monday.

The “Animal Emergency Planning Act,” would require owners to have contingency plans on hand at all times and submit them annually to the government. It is the latest effort to safeguard animals since scores of them died or were stranded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 10 years ago.

“When disaster strikes, commercial animal facilities should be prepared to protect the animals under their care,” said Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., the bill sponsor. “It is only fair and reasonable to require some demonstration of readiness from those who earn a living from animal-related businesses.”

Titus introduced the bill in April 2014 but it received no action. The bill was resubmitted with 15 co-sponsors including Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who sits on the House Agriculture Committee where it would be debated.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, more commonly known as the PETS Act. It required state and local emergency preparedness officials to take into account pet owners, pets and service animals when forming evacuation plans.