Ensign planning visit to Gulf Coast region

Friday, Sept. 23, 2005 | 10:08 a.m.

SUN WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is planning a trip to the devastated Gulf Coast region next week to draw attention to the risk of pets abandoned in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Ensign, a practicing veterinarian before he became a lawmaker, was working out the details of the trip today. Ensign on Sept. 14 formally requested that the Bush administration designate a point-person to coordinate pet rescues, but the White House has not responded.

Ensign spoke to Vice Adm. Thad Allen this week about the feasibility of having animal rescue teams patrolling with National Guard troops.

Ensign believes the pets pose a risk to relief workers and that the animals will spread disease.

"It's a human health issue as well as a animal welfare issue," Ensign spokesman Jack Finn said.

Several House lawmakers have sponsored a bill that would require local and state governments to include plans for pets in their disaster plans. The pet provisions would be required for eligibility for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a bill introduced by Reps. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., Christopher Shays, R-Conn., and Barney Frank, D-Mass.

Ensign has not taken a stance on the bill, Finn said.