The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to protect pets and other animals both during and after natural disasters. The legislation was authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH).

The Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act will help protect pets and animals during and after natural disasters. Oftentimes, animals are an afterthought in natural disasters, and not enough efforts go towards helping them. The PAW Act will direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create an advisory group with outside experts. The experts will help FEMA implement the best practices to help prepare, respond, and recover for animals during and after these events.

Source: Nat Geo WILD/Youtube

Now the bill will move on to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“When a disaster or emergency strikes, we need to ensure that every member of our families – including our beloved pets – stay safe,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan bill will help ensure that no one in Michigan or across the country has to choose between their pets and evacuating before extreme weather events. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this critical legislation as soon as possible.”

“As a proud dog owner, it is concerning that animal and veterinary needs are often overlooked during disasters. I am pleased this bipartisan legislation has passed the Senate because it will require FEMA to establish a working group with outside experts to review current federal guidance regarding animals in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery to ensure it aligns with current best practices,” said Senator Portman. “This bill will help ensure Ohio families and other animal owners have up-to-date guidance for disaster preparedness.”

During and after natural disasters, it can be incredibly difficult to save all of the animals that were harmed or in danger. Fortunately, there are some amazing individuals and rescue groups that do all that they can to save the lives of animals in the area. This bill would give even more help to save these animals!

With natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, becoming more and more common as a result of climate change, this bill would amazing to assist in rescuing these animals!

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