Letter from Joe Lieberman regarding Katrina pet rescue

[RebelOne]

Received this from one of my animal rescue group lists.

<http://www.petstv.com/> http://www.petstv.com/
PLEASE visit the website for more information on Katrina animals


PetsTV emailed every U.S. Senator and Representative about the dire situation of the animal victims of Katrina. We received only one thoughtful reply, from Senator Joseph Lieberman. It is as follows:

Dear PetsTV:

Thank you for your letter regarding the animals that were left behind during the rescue effort following the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in New Orleans.

Hurricane Katrina was an enormously powerful act of nature. It was certainly not caused by any government. But governmental failures in preparing for, and responding to, Hurricane Katrina allowed much more suffering and property destruction to occur than should have. I am saddened and horrified by the pain, suffering, and tragedy caused by what may turn out to be the worst natural disaster in American history. Millions of Americans are currently pulling together and reaching out to help the victims of Katrina. We here in Washington must now come together to help the victims by fixing our emergency response system and restoring the public's confidence in our government.

It is heartbreaking to hear of the stories where families were forced to leave their pets behind as they followed instructions to evacuate or as they were being rescued. During my time in public life, I have always felt an obligation to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. I believe that government has a responsibility to protect our non-human friends as well as our citizens and residents, and I am disheartened that animals are being left to starve and die in New Orleans and its surrounding areas. As the ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, I have joined the Chairman, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), in calling for an investigation on the immense failure in the government's response to the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. The committee will investigate all aspects of this disaster, including what the government could have done to ensure that adequate resources were available to protect, and meet the needs of, all who were in the storm's path.

Fortunately, commander of Task Force Katrina, Lieutenant General Russel Honore, has announced that soldiers will start to evacuate some of the pets left behind by their owners as well as those belonging to residents who have not left because they did not want to leave their pets. In addition, many animal protection organizations like the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are doing the work that needs to be done in order to rescue animals that were left behind. Volunteers are at work around the clock rescuing as many animals as possible and reuniting them with their owners. As an animal lover myself, please rest assured I will continue to do all I can in Congress to ensure that as many animals as possible are rescued. Meanwhile, I urge you to support the work that animal protection organizations are currently doing.


My official Senate web site is designed to be an on-line office that provides access to constituent services, Connecticut-specific information, and an abundance of information about what I am working on in the Senate on behalf of Connecticut and the nation. I am also pleased to let you know that I have launched an email news update service through my web site.

You can sign up for that service by visiting http://lieberman.senate.gov and clicking on the "Subscribe Email News Updates" button at the bottom of the home page. Additionally, the web site for the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is designed to provide visitors with information about the matters of the Committee, including news regarding our investigation into the preparation for, and response to Hurricane Katrina. You can access the schedule of upcoming hearings, view press releases, track legislation that has been sent to the Committee and view other Committee information by visiting http://hsgac.senate.gov. I hope these are informative and useful.

Thank you again for letting me know your views and concerns. Please contact me if you have any additional questions or comments about our work in Congress.

Sincerely,

Joseph I. Lieberman
UNITED STATES SENATOR