Ensign urges better pet rescue effort

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005 | 9:49 a.m.

SUN WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is urging President Bush to appoint a specific point man to coordinate an immediate effort to rescue pets abandoned by victims fleeing Hurricane Katrina.

"These animals represent not only an emotional concern but also a significant public health hazard," the veterinarian/lawmaker wrote in a Wednesday letter co-signed by Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and sent to Bush.

"As we write to you, Mr. President, thousands of pets remain abandoned in the streets of New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast region, threatening the welfare of rescue workers and citizens still in the area."

Pets can contribute to the spread of disease-causing salmonella and E. coli, the senators wrote.

The federal government should provide the tools to quickly and safely rescue and transport animals to shelters and homes nationwide, the senators wrote.

The senators urged Bush to appoint someone to coordinate the federal effort as well as private rescue efforts.

The Humane Society of the United States officials have estimated roughly 50,000 pets were trapped in New Orleans alone, and time is running out for many of that have not been rescued. The group and others have rescued nearly 4,000 animals in New Orleans and hard-hit areas of Mississippi, according to group estimates.