When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, we learned an important lesson: Many, many people have animals in their lives, and their animals matter to them. Those displaced by Katrina searched desperately for lost pets, and even amid flooding and destruction, many refused to evacuate if that meant leaving their pet behind.
The takeaway: Helping animals helps people.
Fortunately, new leadership at Animal Services and County Public Health is all about serving both. This couldn’t come at a more critical time, as municipal animal shelters are overflowing with animals whose owners can’t afford to house or feed them.