In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Harvey, many animals have been left behind by their desperate families who were forced to evacuate and unable to bring their four-pawed companions along with them.
Source: Ruaridh��Connellan/Daily Mail
In particular, the photo of this dog tied to a pole in Victoria, Texas, unable to move despite the rising waters around him on August 26, broke the hearts of Internet users everywhere wanting to help.Despite warnings from government officials and local police that tying dogs up outside in extreme weather conditions such as these is absolutely illegal, some residents have failed to comply, putting the lives of these animals in serious danger.
Source: Ruaridh Connellan/Daily Mail
Chief Carlises of��Roman Forest Police Department��made his stance on the matter evidently clear in a statement:
I promise you, that I will hold anyone accountable that unlawfully restrains their dog in extreme weather conditions. Dogs are your family members too.
Luckily for this dog, the MailOnline photographer that captured the heart-wrenching photograph rescued the abandoned canine and brought him to safety.
Source: Ruaridh Connellan/Daily Mail
However, there are still many dogs, cats and other animals left outside forced to face the storm by themselves. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, which left 250,000 animals killed or without a home, the��Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 was introduced to ensure the protection of animals in natural disasters, but its effectiveness is yet to be seen.
Source: Reuters
To help animals left homeless by this disaster, you can open up your home to families with animals, contact local rescue associations if you see an abandoned animal or even take them in yourself if you have the means available. You can also make a donation to local shelters to help them care for their increased demand.To make a donation to the Texas SPCA and help them continue their vital work in the area, click here.
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