Monday, December 20 1999 | ||||||||
Don't forget about your four-legged loved ones By HEATHER FELTON Herald Staff Writer
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MANATEE - A hurricane is bearing down on Manatee County and the evacuation is on. First the barrier islands, then the mainland coastline. Thousands of people are packing the roads, trying to escape the storm heading our way. But in the rush to get away, many leave behind beloved but forgotten family members: their pets. Instead of leaving the animals with bowls of water and food and hoping for the best, there are steps owners can take to ensure that when they come home safe, their pets will, too. The Manatee Animal Disaster Preparedness Coalition - a group of local citizens and representatives of county and state agencies - is working to cover all the bases for animal safety and recovery if a disaster strikes Manatee County. The group has representatives from nearly every animal group, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bishop Animal Shelter and the Cattleman's Association. Ed McAdam, the coalition facilitator and Myakka River Riders representative, said the group is addressing the needs of all animals, from household pets to livestock to injured wild animals. Their main concern is that the animals will be sheltered and cared for during a disaster. "All of us working together will make it happen," he said. But, he said, if a big storm does hit, pet owners cannot depend on the group to look out for and rescue each of their animals. Instead, McAdam said, they should know what to do in advance. "Make a plan now," he said.
HOUSE PETS Although the American Red Cross and other shelters will take as many human refugees as possible, house pets are not allowed, said Brandy Thurkettle, a local Red Cross spokesperson. As a result, people leave their pets at home. "And they end up dead or missing," she said. "The most important thing is for pets, don't leave home without them," McAdam said. "You have to take them. And before hurricane season, you have to find a friend or a safe area where you can take your pet." While many hotels and motels don't allow pets, he said, many will make exceptions for disaster victims. Call in advance and find out if a pet will be allowed to stay. Kennels also may be available. Some inland kennels have a sign-up list for disasters. Scott Holloway, owner of Chateau du Chien boarding kennel, is a member of the disaster preparedness coalition. His kennel has a priority one list for emergency personnel who must stay in the county but don't want to leave their pets alone. He also has a priority two list for assisted-living pet owners. But, Holloway said, kennel space is limited because hurricane season is also vacation season. Even if they aren't full, he said, all the county's kennels could board only 10 percent of the county's pets.
EXOTIC PETS If anyone has pet lions, elephants, cougars, leopards or the like, chances are Lt. Steve DeLecure of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission already knows about them. It is part of his job to make sure the owners are licensed and the animals are safely caged. So, for the most part, there shouldn't be much additional preparation needed.
LIVESTOCK Large animals may need to be evacuated as well, McAdam said. That's why members of the coalition in East Manatee are willing to board animals that can't stay home. Horse owners can contact McAdam for information on where to board horses. He and many of the Myakka River Riders group have extra space they are willing to share. Call McAdam at 776-3421 for information. Cully Rowell, president of the Manatee County Cattleman Association, said it is best to leave the cattle where they are. If there is high, dry ground in their regular pasture land, the animals can stay where there are. But, he said, if the entire area is flooded, they can be moved other pasture land in East Manatee. Any cattle owners with questions can contact Jim Strickland, the state director for Manatee County, 776-3528, or the association, 1-800-647-0026.
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