Urgent from PETA: Abandoning animals during Hurricane Milton is cruel – and criminal

For immediate release:
October 7, 2024

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. –

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, PETA reminds people that people should never leave dogs tied up or left outdoors and should always take their animal companions with them if they need to evacuate their homes.

Whenever a natural disaster occurs, many dogs and other pets are left outside to fend for themselves and even left behind when people are evacuated. Tethered dogs swim to exhaustion and drown – and there are tethered dogs everywhere. PETA’s animal rescue team has witnessed firsthand the trauma that animals endure when exposed to flooding and flying debris. We have found dead dogs in previous storms. We have also found them up to their necks in water, unable to sit or lie down, in almost flooded boxes in houses and even being tossed around by strong winds. And of course animals are petrified in such weather conditions.

• Keep all animals in the house with you if you decide not to evacuate. Never leave them tied, penned or crated.
• If you evacuate, plan your destination in advance and do not leave animals behind or unattended in the car.
• A hurricane of this intensity can be very dangerous for people living on boats. Please consider evacuating and be sure to bring your animals with you.
• Be prepared: Use safe carriers, leashes and harnesses. Bring water and food bowls, a favorite toy, a blanket, a towel, and enough food for a week. Have your animals microchipped and provide them with secure, readable identification tags.
• Watch out for other animals in trouble. If you see animals in distress and cannot help, note their location and call authorities immediately.

PETAs “Natural Disasters: Have a Plan” PSA reminds people to make plans well in advance of evacuation to ensure the safety of their animal companions.

PETA – whose motto includes: “We must not abuse animals in any way” – points this out Every Animal Is Someone offers free empathy kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, see PETA.org or continue following the group X, Facebookor Instagram.