Animals Must Not Be Forgotten In Terrorist Attack

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 23rd Jan 2003

MP for Hazel Grove, Andrew Stunell has teamed up with the national Pet Advisory Committee to urge the Government to take the threat to pets seriously in the event of a terrorist attack.

Meeting with senior members of PAC last week, Mr Stunell pressed the Government to issue advice for concerned residents in the Stockport area and throughout the country on practical steps to protect pets in the event of a terrorist attack.

Mr Stunell said, "If we're going to take the threat of terrorist attack seriously then PAC have every right to ask these questions of the Government and the Government must address the fears of ordinary people."

According to the Advisory Committee most residents with pets will not evacuate a threatened area unless they know their pets are safe.

"It's high time for honesty and clear guidelines from the Government. The vulnerable must not be left behind or forgotten when terrorists strike."