PETA Rushes Out New PSA With Film Icon Ali MacGraw Urging Residents to Take Their Animals With Them if Theyre Forced to Evacuate
PETA Rushes Out New PSA With Film Icon AliMacGraw Urging Residents to Take Their Animals With Them if Theyre Forced toEvacuate
26 July 2006
published by http://www.peta.org
Las Vegas With wildfires spreading throughout Southern Nevada and with predictions that more are on the way, PETA is rushing out its new wildfire public service announcement (PSA) to all area TV stations. The 30-second spot stars film icon Ali MacGraw, who makes a heartfelt plea for residents to include their animal family members in their evacuation plans.
MacGrawwhose many credits include Love Story and The Getawayhas been a victim of a wildfire herself, having lost everything in a California wildfire in the 1990s.
“Our animal companions rely on us, especially during wildfire season, when disaster can strike with almost no warning,” begins MacGraw in the PSA. “If wildfires force you to evacuate your home, do not leave your animals behind.” At the conclusion, MacGraw urges viewers to visit PETAs Web site HelpingAnimals.com for life-saving tips, such as the following:
· In the event that your area is evacuated, never leave companion animals behind to fend for themselves. They arent any better equipped to survive disasters than humans are. They can burn to death or die from smoke inhalation.
· Know your destination ahead of time. Shelters often do not accept animals, but motels in the area will probably accept cats, dogs, and other small animals in an emergency. Call destinations in advance, and find out which ones will accommodate you and your animals. Do not plan to leave animals unsupervised in a car; they can suffer from heatstroke once the temperature rises above 70°F, even if water is provided and windows are cracked.
· Place small animals in secure carriers. Dogs should be leashed with harnesses, because frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt and get strangled. Take water and food bowls, your animals favorite toy or blanket, a towel, and enough food for at least one week.
· Put I.D. tags on your animals in case they become separated from you.
For additional disaster preparedness tips and to view Ali MacGraws PSA, please visit PETAs Web site HelpingAnimals.com.
Daphna Nachminovitch
