In recent times, the United States has faced an increase in natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and severe floods. These events have not only disrupted human lives but have also led to heartbreaking situations for pets.

After Hurricane Harvey struck, Monica Frenden, the director of Feline Lifesaving at Austin Pets Alive, shared her experiences:

“Animals were tied to trees [after Harvey hit]. Cats were floating on trash cans down the road. Cats, dogs, horses, chickens, pigs, you name it.”

These feelings were shared by animal rescuers in Florida following Hurricane Irma, where they saved about forty abandoned dogs. Dianne Sauve, director of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, told USA Today that abandoning pets is one of the worst things an owner can do. “These are things that are not unexpected during a situation like this,” she said. “It’s always disappointing. Our goal is to keep pets and people together.”

In response to these situations, Florida state Senator Joe Gruters is advocating for animal rights. He recently introduced a bill that would classify leaving a dog unrestrained and unattended during ‘manmade’ disasters as a first-degree misdemeanor.

In this case, ‘manmade’ refers to situations where residents have received warnings or notices from local or state officials. The Miami Herald explains that most hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornado warnings with mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders would be included under this bill. The Palm Beach Post adds that while many counties already prohibit tethering animals in extreme weather, Gruters’ Senate Bill 1738 aims to update statewide animal cruelty laws.

Anyone found leaving a pet alone while evacuating could be charged with animal cruelty, facing up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. So far, the bill has moved through the Senate Agriculture Committee without any opposition. During the hearing, Gruters stated:

“We want to give these dogs a fighting chance.”

When dealing with natural disasters, Richard Green, who has participated in over a hundred rescue missions for the ASPCA, advises pet owners to evacuate as soon as they are told. “If you get a warning that you need to evacuate, don’t be that person who stays behind,” he said. “I see it every day. Just heed the advice and evacuate.”