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Hurricane Ida: People leaving pets behind 'to be killed' as they evacuate to safety

Many are evacuating in New Orleans and Louisiana as Ida is expected to reach Category 4 strength with winds estimated at 140 mph

As Hurricane Ida looms over the country, threatening lives, livelihood and damage to property, people are racing against time to find shelter. Many are evacuating in New Orleans and Louisiana as the National Hurricane Center reportedly said that Ida could reach Category 4 strength with winds estimated at 140 mph. But amidst all this chaos, there are many of those who are leaving their pets behind - notwithstanding the fact that the storm is actually dangerous and unsurvivable. 

So much so that The Humane Society of the United States is reportedly urging those who could be affected by Hurricane Ida to prepare to take their pets along as well. Even on social media, many people are asking those in the way of Ida to not leave their animals behind. 

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Speaking of making a disaster plan, Diane Robinson, disaster services manager for the Humane Society of the United States, reportedly said, "Making a disaster plan is critical as the pandemic continues to evolve, creating new considerations for evacuation and the capacity of emergency services. It is imperative to plan ahead, heed evacuation orders from local officials and remember: If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets."

"If you’re in the path of Hurricane Ida please don’t leave your pets behind," one user wrote on Twitter. 

"Also if/when you evacuate TAKE YOUR FUCKING ANIMALS WITH YOU!! You’re leaving them to die a painful/horrible death by leaving them bc “you don’t have room” or “I didn’t have time to get them” #HurricaneIda," one angry social media user wrote. Along similar lines, one user wrote, "omg, honestly though this was heading toward TX. everyone in the area PLEASE BE SAFE! pack up get & GTFO like NOW. ESP YOUR PETS!!!! plz don't be that horrible human & leave them behind. there is NO excuse, find a way I am begging you for them."

One animal welfare account on Twitter wrote, "Hurricane Ida is going to hit the Louisiana area as a potential Cat 4 hurricane this weekend. If you have friends or family please check on them and encourage them to evacuate with their pets. The storm surge is supposed to be VERY dangerous and not survivable." 

Another user wrote, painting a rather morbid but not all too shocking picture of what lies in store after Hurricane Ida. "Some of Hurricane Ida’s affects will include,vehicles especially high profile like buses and trucks will be moved or tipped over, heavy items will become debris and will be moved at high speeds, people, livestock, and pets will be killed if struck by high winds."

The Humane Society of the United States even put out guidelines on how to keep disaster kits ready in one's home. For at least 14 days for each pet, food and water should be included. Medications and all medical records including vaccination history need to be kept for at least 14 days. It is also important to keep these stored in a waterproof container or digitally on a flash drive or online.

Ensure that the pet animal is wearing a collar with tags for identification. Microchipping your pet is ideal as collars can be easily removed.

Additionally, you can read more information on their official website.