BILL REQ. #:  S-4033.1 

Read first time 01/10/2006.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to emergency management; adding a new section to chapter 38.52 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The Washington state legislature finds that pet animals are important to their owners. In addition, their presence may bring comfort and enhance recovery for victims distressed over injury or damage resulting from disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural, technological, or human caused.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 38.52 RCW to read as follows:
     It is the policy of the state of Washington that in the event of an emergency or disaster, and for the purposes of search and rescue activities, an emergency worker shall make every practicable attempt under the circumstances, when engaged in emergency management activities, to rescue a victim's pet animal.