S253 Expands emergency operations plans to include care for domestic animals
January 17, 2010
S253 expands requirements for the emergency operations plan to include care for domestic animals. Currently, the State statute only requires the State and local emergency operation plans to address the needs of farm animals and service animals during an emergency.Â
As demonstrated by thousands of pets that were abandoned or displaced after Hurricane Katrina, the sheltering of domesticated animals in the aftermath of a natural disaster is an increasingly important issue. Additionally, it was shown that in many instances people were willing to risk their personal safety than choose to leave a pet behind to weather a disaster. Â
This bill in effect brings the State in compliance with the federal  Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-308) which requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop emergency evacuation plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.Â
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, there are approximately 74.8 million owned dogs in the United States and thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog. There are approximately 88.3 million owned cats in the United States and 34 percent of U.S. households (or 38.4 million) own at least one cat.Â
This bill implements recommendation eight of the Assembly Coastal New Jersey Evacuation Task Force which was established by Assembly Resolution No. 146. The task force was created to examine and assess the coastal evacuation plans.
Primary Sponsor: Jeff Van Drew
Primary Sponsor: Christopher J. Connors
January 12, 2010Â Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
Pending New Jersey legislation regarding animals or animal welfare is listed in this section by bill number. Unless otherwise noted, the AWFNJ does not specifically endorse or support these proposed bills. Bills are posted for information purposes only and we welcome your input on each of them.