News: Senator Ensign urges better pet rescue effort

Las Vegas SUN: Ensign urges better pet rescue effort - link:

"Ensign urges better pet rescue effort -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is urging President Bush to appoint a specific point man to coordinate an immediate effort to rescue pets abandoned by victims fleeing Hurricane Katrina.
'These animals represent not only an emotional concern but also a significant public health hazard,' the veterinarian/lawmaker wrote in a Wednesday letter co-signed by Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and sent to Bush.
'As we write to you, Mr. President, thousands of pets remain abandoned in the streets of New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast region, threatening the welfare of rescue workers and citizens still in the area.'
Pets can contribute to the spread of disease-causing salmonella and E. coli, the senators wrote.
The federal government should provide the tools to quickly and safely rescue and transport animals to shelters and homes nationwide, the senators wrote. The senators urged Bush to appoint someone to coordinate the federal effort as well as private rescue efforts."

We really hope the president will act on this quickly. There are still tens of thousands of animals that are trapped in New Orleans. This is a very sizable effort that needs prompt and serious attention.