City officials joined the Lexington Humane Society Monday in unveiling of two new transport trailers designed to house animals during emergencies. And the mobile units could wind up saving the lives of pets and their owners.
When severe weather or other disasters strike and residents are urged to evacuate their homes, many choose to stay behind – and one of the most common reasons for that decision is concern for pets, who often are often barred from emergency shelters.
"Statistically in all the last major disasters and even small ones, at least 65 to 70 percent of people will not leave unless they have a place to take their pets also," says Division of Emergency Management Director Patricia Dugger.
With the new fully stocked and air-conditioned trailer, owners will have some peace of mind and a chance to stay close to their pets during dangerous situations. Dugger says the 26-foot unit can hold and transport a large group of animals.
"It depends on how you fit them in there, but sometimes you can co-mingle dogs if they get along... so anywhere from 40 to 60 depending on whether you've got cats, dogs, or whatever you have," she explains.
The trailers were purchased through a partnership between the Lexington Humane Society, Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, and the American Kennel Club as well as the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.
