Senate committee endorses SR 3 encouraging local disaster planning for household pets

Senator Plumb introduced Senate Resolution 3, which encourages local governments to update disaster plans to address the needs of people who may need to evacuate with household pets. Plumb described the measure as a non‑binding, "soft touch" designed to keep owners with their animals so first responders can prioritize human safety.

The committee adopted Senate Amendment 1 (word changes intended to align scope and remove an explicit federal guidance reference). Plumb said the resolution would "help keep our citizens safer" and reduce demands on shelter resources by acknowledging that many people treat companion animals as family members and will refuse to evacuate if they cannot take pets with them.

Ian Williams, president of the Utah Animal Control Officers Association, spoke in support and said that building pets into disaster planning "makes evacuations faster, safer, and more orderly" and helps reduce abandonment and public‑safety risks. Christina Pulsipher of Rough Haven Crisis Sheltering also testified in support, sharing reunification examples and saying that people sometimes sacrifice safety if unable to bring animals.

Senator Hinkins asked whether fees or other fiscal obligations could create abandonment incentives; Plumb said the resolution focuses on keeping animals with their owners in public shelters or designated areas rather than creating a system that turns animals over to third parties. The committee voted unanimously to pass SR 3 as amended.