By Karen Zautyk
Thanks to the N.J. Department of Agriculture and the the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Hudson County’s Office of Emergency Management recently took delivery of an animal evacuation trailer.
It was one of several awarded to various “dense, high-risk” areas and paid for by an Urban Areas Security Initiative Grant.
“New Jersey, located between two major cities, needs to be prepared in case disaster strikes, because any incident that poses a threat to large numbers of people is likely to put animals at risk, as well ,” read a statement by N.J. Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher.
“The animal evacuation trailers can fill a vital role in an emergency and help provide care for animals that might not be able to go along with their owners.”
Sounds good, right?
Don’t jump to the conclusion that, in case of hurricane, tornado, environmental crisis, terror attack, etc., your pet will be rescued.
The 20-foot trailer has 24 cages – eight large, 16 small.
Hudson County has an estimated 300,000 domestic pets.
Do the math. Then, if you don’t already have one, go out and buy a carrier for your dog, cat, hamster, descented skunk, pet clam, or whatever cuddly creature is sharing your home.
To read the full story, see this week’s issue of The Observer.
