Pomeranian rescued from Palisades Fire inspires state bill to protect pets in disasters

A state bill introduced by a Southern California lawmaker aims to protect pets during emergencies and evacuations.

The details of AB 478, or the FOUND Act, which stands for “Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters,” was published online Monday night. The bill gets its namesake and inspiration from Oreo the Pomeranian, who reunited with its owner in an emotional, viral video during the Palisades Fire.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents Hollywood, Santa Monica and parts of L.A. in the 51st California Assembly district, told LAist it would require local governments to have plans in place for rescuing pets so owners don’t put themselves at risk.

“ We recognize that their pets are part of their families,” Zbur said. “We have a responsibility to make sure that government recognizes that, and that there's a way of reuniting people with the pet members of their families.”

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About the bill

The bill would require cities and counties to have procedures in place for rescuing pets in mandatory evacuation zones, Zbur said.

It would direct local governments to have clear online resources available for evacuations, reunifications and a list of pets that have been rescued.

It would also extend the holding period for pets rescued from evacuation areas to at least 90 days, up from the current three-day minimum, to give owners more time to reclaim them.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Emergency Management, according to legislative records.

How we got here

Casey Colvin wasn’t home with his two dogs when an evacuation order was issued for his Pacific Palisades neighborhood in January.

He tried to go back for them, even by bike, but was stopped at a roadblock.

One of the dogs was rescued by a CalFire battalion chief. But Oreo was still missing as the Palisades Fire tore through the community, and Colvin’s home, that night.

“There was no official procedure for me to rescue Oreo,” Colvin said in a statement. “I contacted the non-emergency police line and animal control, but neither was able to help me coordinate a rescue.”

Five days later, Oreo was spotted by a network of animal rescuers, and Colvin was able to bring his beloved pet to safety.

The Animal Advocacy Network was involved with the operation, and founder Aaron "AC" Christensen said in a statement that AB 478 could help save pets if disaster strikes in other cities.

“My credentials with the city of Santa Monica allowed my team to cross firelines and assist with evacuations, sit in on every first responder briefing, and cut through the red tape that was preventing other rescue groups and individuals from helping residents in other jurisdictions,” he said in a statement.