The convergence of present-day pet policies by State Senator’s Bruce Tarr and Karen Spilka is a perfect storm of optimistic legislation making waves in Boston politics on Beacon Hill. Tarr’s recent PAWS Act, inspired by the devastating abuse of the mysterious Puppy Doe, aligns seamlessly with Spilka’s legislation to ensure the safety of people with pets in disasters, which passed the State Senate just yesterday.

The measure, which was approved unanimously by the Massachusetts Senate, now moves down the hall to the House where it’ll face more consideration.

The resolution calls for emergency personnel to paint broad brush strokes of strategies that come to the aid of those who own and need household pets, including service animals. They’ll also aim to better educate Massachusetts residents on how to obtain the proper resources and the proper means of planning during and for times of emergency, especially when evacuation is necessary.

“In the case of a natural disaster or other emergency, many people are reluctant to leave their pets and service animals behind. The animals that do get left behind often suffer tragic consequences,” Senator Spilka said of her bill. “Victims of a disaster should not have to suffer the additional emotional stress of having to abandon their household pets as well.”

Noted further in the press release, “At the federal level, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act requires states accepting federal funding for homeland security preparedness to provide for animals in their state-level disaster planning.” But in times of a government shutdown, when federal funding is as scarce as games where Tom Brady doesn’t throw a touchdown, states need to be prepared to come to the swift release of their citizens.

Stay tuned to BostInno for the latest on the act and if/when it passes the House.