Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, February 16, 2019

4

BEST FRIENDS & MORE 

Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 16, 2019 


Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

PET EVACUATION 
PLAN CAN HELP 
SAVE LIVES 

Last Tuesday, February 12, California State Assemblymember 
Monique Limon (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation to 
protect pets during a wildfire evacuation. Assembly Bill 486 
would require pet owners to create an animal evacuation 
plan to help ensure their own personal safety as well as that 
of emergency responders during the process of evacuation.

 “Fire seasons have become year-round events, as such 
families must take the necessary steps to ensure they are 
prepared to evacuate in a moment’s notice. While the safety 
and well-being of our family members is priority, we must not 
forget our four-legged family members”, said Assemblymember 
Limon.

 “As a member who represents an area that has faced countless 
wildfires, I know that pre-planning goes a long way. Assembly 
Bill 486 ensures families forecast and have a plan that includes 
the evacuation of their animals, held in accordance with a 
local kennel permit required by the local jurisdiction.”

 Under AB 486, if a local jurisdiction requires an owner to 
obtain a permit to keep animals, then a mandatory component 
of the permitting process must be the development of an 
evacuation plan to be used during a wildfire evacuation. 
Evacuation plans can help provide order during the chaos that 
often ensues in the wake of wildfires.

 When people stay behind trying to protect their pets, 
they jeopardize not only their own safety, but also the safety 
of emergency personnel who are forced into dangerous 
situations that could have been prevented. In many cases, these 
preventative measures can save tax dollars by minimizing 
deployment of emergency personnel into life-threatening 
situations that could have been avoided, had there been a plan 
in place.

 “In my community, Laguna Beach, we require evacuation 
plans for pet owners, and this kind of pre-planning saves lives“, 
said Judie Mancuso, Founder and CEO of Social Compassion 
in Legislation (SCIL), the sponsor of the bill. 

 “During the Malibu Fires, I heard of people who had time 
to get their pets to safety - but no idea how. As 
a result, hundreds of pets are lost every year 
during disasters, and many more are rescued 
but never reunited with their owners. The 
Legislature should take a lesson from Laguna 
Beach, the City of Los Angeles, and others that 
already require this kind of forethought. It will 
save both human and animal lives when the next 
disaster strikes.”

 Dr. Karen Halligan, a veterinarian who serves 
on the board of SCIL also weighed in at the 
Tuesday assembly meeting; “As a first responder 
in the Malibu Fires, Hurricane Harvey, and 
Hurricane Katrina, I have seen first-hand how 
crucial it is that all pet owners have an evacuation 
plan. Being prepared in a disaster can make the difference 
between life and death, not only for pets but also for the people 
who put their lives at risk to save them.”

 Dr. Heather Rally, D.V.M., Supervising Veterinarian at the 
PETA Foundation added, “I urge the legislature to pass this 
bill, as we do whatever we can to prepare for the disasters 
to come. During the chaotic time when I was volunteering 
in Ojai at the peak of the December 2017 Thomas Fire, 
hundreds of beloved pets flooded shelters where they were 
provided protection and veterinary care, but sadly, not all 
were so fortunate.”

 “As the wildfires raged on, countless pets who were 
abandoned by unprepared guardians became trapped at their 
homes, were released to run for their lives, or were relegated 
to the nearest empty paddock while their families fled. 
Simple pre-planning could have saved them all and protected 
first responders who went in after them. The Legislature has a 
chance to act now before this happens again” said Dr. Rally.

 While we here, in Sierra Madre may not feel a sense of 
urgency at the present moment - what with all the rain we 
are having - it is important to keep in mind that, along with 
the rain comes extensive brush growth on the hillsides. When 
the rain subsides and the heat of summer dries out the brush, 
we are left with a much higher risk of fire, which, if fueled by 
none other than our notorious Santa Ana winds could get out 
of hand very quickly. Alas, lest we forget, we could be next. 
Now is the time to make preparations to protect our pets and 
prevent unnecessary risks to those who respond and assist 
during a disaster, whether it is the law or not.

 Assembly Bill 486 will be heard in its first Assembly policy 
committee in the coming weeks. If you wish to support this 
bill, visit socialcompassioninlegislation.org where you’ll 
learn more about SCIL’s noble efforts to make California 
a more humane state, and get details on how you can help 
make a difference for the better on behalf of the animals. 
Love and let live!


BEST FRIENDS


SAINT

 Saint is a 3-year old stunning white American 
Staffordshire terrier mix boy with a striking spotted coat, 
soulful brown eyes, bouncy ears, and a playful personality. 
Sporting his classic “Staffy” smile and weighing about 60 
pounds, Saint is great on the leash, gentle taking treats, and 
knows many basic commands that he’s happy to show off 
for treats or toys. He is happiest when out on a long walk, 
trying to fit in someone’s lap, and taking treats for tricks.

 Saint is a special young pup who deserves to have a loving 
home and family that will show him all the good things in 
life and will care for him as a family member. If you are that 
special family, please come meet Saint and prepare to fall in 
love with this sweet pooch! His adoption fee is $145, which 
includes neuter surgery, a microchip, first vaccinations and 
a free wellness check-up at a participating veterinarian. 
Feel free to call us at (626) 286-1159 for more information. 
He currently resides at the San Gabriel Valley Humane 
Society located at 851 E. Grand Avenue in San Gabriel 
which is located off San Gabriel Blvd, north of Mission and 
south of Las Tunas Drive. To arrange a ‘Meet and Greet’, 
please stop by any time from 10:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday 
through Sunday. Website: www.sgvhumane.org.


CAT OF THE WEEK


NEED MORE FUN & 
LOVE IN YOUR LIFE 
(and perhaps lower blood 
pressure)? Then foster or 
adopt one of our cuties. 
You won’t regret it! They 
are highly adoptable, 
sweet, friendly, and ready 
to give you lots of licks & 
Valentine kisses! Lifeline 
for Pets is in urgent need 
of foster homes for cats. 
YOU can make the difference for one like friendly, sweet, 
& FIV+ NORMA JEAN, age 3. Call 626-676-9505. There 
is no fee to foster, just provide food, litter, safety, and love. 
We take care of any vet expense, if needed. All ages & purr-
sonalities. We really need you!! Call 626-676-9505 or email 
info@lifelineforpets.org for more info. See more of our 
kitties at www.lifelineforpets.org.


Do you have to many books at home? Wondering 
what to do with them? Come to The Book Rack and 
trade them in for a book you have not read.
We have 1000's used and New books for 
your reading pleasure.
204 S. First AveArcadiawebsite: bookrackarcadia.comPhone 626-446-2525
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com