California lawmaker proposes pet rescue legislation after Oreo reunion

A California lawmaker has introduced legislation to help save pets during natural disasters. This move comes after a viral video showed a touching reunion between a dog named Oreo and his owner during the Los Angeles fires. Assemblymember Rick Zbur is behind the proposed law, called the FOUND Act (Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters). He believes pets are important family members. Zbur noted that many people struggled to find their animals while evacuating from wildfires in Southern California. He pointed out that local governments often lack plans for reunifying pets with their owners. The FOUND Act, known as AB 478, aims to ensure that emergency plans at local levels include processes for rescuing animals left behind during evacuations. It also suggests creating emergency hotlines to assist pet owners during disasters. Zbur mentioned that specific procedures would vary by area. They could allow pet owners to enter evacuation zones with help from emergency services or animal welfare groups. The law was inspired by Casey Colvin and his pomeranian Oreo, whose emotional reunion went viral. Colvin expressed hope that the law would prevent others from facing the pain he experienced during his separation from Oreo. The bill will now proceed through the legislative process. If it passes in the Assembly and the Senate, it will go to the governor for approval. Judie Mancuso, head of an animal rights group supporting the FOUND Act, noted it would be a groundbreaking law in the U.S. She hopes other states will adopt similar measures to protect pets in disasters beyond just fires.