The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is reminding Texans that hurricane season began June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. The TAHC advises Texas horse, livestock, and pet owners to begin preparing now for any possible storms.

Animals are particularly vulnerable to the severe weather associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. Any tropical storm system can wreak havoc on the livelihood of farmers and ranchers. Proper planning for disasters, evacuations, or emergency situations is imperative.

"Tropical storm systems present one of the most severe threats to animals and not just those along the coast," said Jeff Turner, TAHC emergency management director. "As these systems move inland, they bring high winds, torrential rains, and tornados. Planning for your animals is just as important as planning for your families and your businesses."

T.R. Lansford, DVM, TAHC assistant executive director over emergency management, added, "Behind every animal disaster is a human disaster due to the special relationship people develop with their animals, whether they be livestock or pets. The TAHC staff continue to work with local animal issue committees to ensure they know about the special issues animals abandoned and/or injured during these storms will present to livestock producers and animal owners, responders, and the local veterinary community