The Puppies and Kittens Act of 2005
 

Anyone remember David Sklansky's dog posts? Basically, you had to choose between saving the life of a familiar animal or an unfamiliar person.

Turns out that many people evacuating the hurricane were confronted with a similar situation: In order to save space and resources for people, many had to abandon, or were even forcibly separated from, their pets. And this often caused a scene.

Here's an article about it:

http://www.slate.com/id/2126124/?nav/navoa/

And a follow-up article:

http://www.slate.com/id/2126739/?nav=fix

Legislation is actually being introduced in Congress so people can hang onto their pets if it happens again.

A memorable quote: "I came away from the experience wondering whether the American public found it easier to feel sympathy for dogs and cats than for low-income black people. I'm not sure I want to know the answer."

Re: The Puppies and Kittens Act of 2005
 

All I can say is wow.

Consider cross posting this in politics? They'd have a field day with this.