As Hurricane Milton begins to make landfall on Florida’s coast, concerns for human and animal welfare are flooding online platforms and forums.
Among the many posts discussing what people are doing to keep themselves and their families safe, a post went viral Wednesday afternoon as an example of what not to do.
The video, posted to the Florida Highway Patrol Tampa The footage shows officers approaching the dog, which was already standing in belly-deep water. As the puppy growled in fear, the officer could be heard saying, “It’s okay,” and “I don’t blame” the dog for being upset.
The post’s caption read, “Please don’t do this to your pets.” Gov. Ron DeSantis also reposted the video, writing, “Leaving a dog tied to a pole while a storm approaches is cruel to anyone. The State of Florida will hold those who abuse pets accountable.” said.
Click here to see the rescue process
Other online posts show people discussing best practices for animal safety as Milton rapidly approaches. In one post, a horse owner painted his phone number on the side of his horse’s belly so he could be reunited with it after the storm passed. In the comments section, some people said they had name tags with contact information woven into their horses’ manes.
“Many people don’t understand that this is standard procedure and the best way to give horses a chance during a natural disaster,” said X user @adversewitness. “If you let them go, they’ll find higher ground. It’s not cruel. What’s cruel is to leave them in a fenced pasture and let them drown.”
For many animal lovers, it is almost impossible to imagine having to leave someone behind. However, in some situations, the severity of the situation, lack of resources, limited time frames, or significant safety risks can force people to make very difficult, split-second decisions.
Let’s prepare what we can
“Preparation is really important,” Jessica Johnson, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States’ animal rescue team, told USA TODAY. “Planning and preparation are really important, especially if you live in an area that is prone to disasters and dangerous events.”
If you live in a high-risk area or are in an area where potential weather events or disasters may occur, you should prepare your pet in advance, she advised. Ideally, all veterinary and vaccination records sealed in a waterproof bag, a photo of your pet in case you get separated, any necessary medications, a crate, carrier or harness and leash, and several days’ worth of fresh supplies. Must include water and food.
If you can’t bring your pet with you, you can also find out where your pet will go in advance.
“Contact your local animal services or disaster services, and they may be able to take you somewhere that offers temporary lodging. It may be on higher ground. In some cases, amusement parks and farms may be open.
But the reality is that last-minute emergencies don’t leave you with much time to organize what you need, she said.
“If you know the water is rising, do what you have to do,” she says. “Just go outside, grab your pet, get everything you can to keep yourself safe, and we recommend you go to or call animal services or an emergency surgery center. You might have everything there: food, leash, crate, etc.” If that doesn’t work, there are resources to help. ”
Tips for small animals
“We recommend bringing your small animal friends along,” Johnson says. “If you are unable to take your animal with you, contact your local animal services or emergency department to see if they have a temporary shelter or a temporary place to leave your animal. .”
If you can’t evacuate with your pet for any reason, don’t lock, tie or crate your pet anywhere, she said.
“If you’re attached to something, you’re never going to get anywhere,” she says.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also recommends dealing with rising water by going to the highest point in your home or a room where your animal has access to a counter or high shelf where they can escape from flooding. In case of a power outage, make sure you and your pet have clean drinking water by storing water in your bathtub or sink in advance.
The ASPCA, which is still working in North Carolina with hurricane relief efforts from Helen, also has a list of special considerations for other types of animals, including birds, reptiles and our smallest animal friends like hamsters. Visit your organization’s disaster preparedness page for more information.
Best practices for large animals such as livestock and horses
Large animals and livestock pose even more unique challenges. Johnson still recommends taking any animal you can with you, but larger animals like horses are likely to be difficult to pack and take with you.
As with small animals, animal emergency services typically open areas for larger animals out of the path of the storm. In some cases, civilians may donate their farms or land.
“Always make sure the barn door is unlocked,” Johnson said. “Animals will try to find as high a place as possible if necessary. If an animal has to go outside or be released quickly, make sure the barn door is unlocked and the animal Please make sure you can run.” Feel free to do so if you wish. ”
In some cases, she says, a good scenario is to go to higher ground and stay there, waiting for the animal to bring food and water.
More tips from the Humane Society of the United States:
Prepare an emergency kit that includes veterinarian and owner records, necessary medications and supplies, photos, and several days’ worth of food and water. Please microchip your horse in advance. Use non-toxic paint to label your large animal’s body or harness with your name, phone number, address, and other contact information. Make sure your poultry has access to an elevated perch, as well as food and clean water above it. Reinforce your house, barn, and outbuildings with hurricane straps or other means. Consider removing all barbed wire and rerouting permanent fencing to allow animals to move to higher ground and secure or remove potential blown debris. When heating lamps or other electrical machinery, make sure the wiring is secure and the heat source is free of flammable debris.
Contributor: Crystal Nurse, USA TODAY.
