New bill aimed at protecting pets during disasters introduced in California legislature
Assembly Bill 478, also called the FOUND Act, was inspired by a pomeranian named Oreo who went missing during the Palisades Fire before being reunited with its owner.
Video Above: Woman reunited with cat presumed list in Palisades Fire
'Pets are more than just property—they are family. When disaster strikes, no one should have to choose between their safety and their pet's survival,' Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur said. 'The FOUND Act ensures that local governments have clear rescue plans in place, so pet owners don't have to risk their lives to save their animals.'
Zbur said the bill has three 'key provisions.'
The first provision requires cities and counties to codify procedures regarding the rescue of pets in mandatory evacuation zones.
The second provision requires local governments to provide online resources regarding pet evacuation and reunification. Local governments would also be required to post an online list of pets that have been rescued.
The last provision requires pets rescued from an evacuated area are held for 90 days before being adopted, transferred or euthanized. According to Zbur, the current law only guarantees owners a 72-hour window.
Zbur said Pacific Palisades resident Casey Colvin attempted to return home to save his two dogs but was stopped at a roadblock.
CalFire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua offered to rescue his dog but was unable to find one of them, Zbur said. Colvin received a call five days later saying Oreo had been spotted on the remains of his property.
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