Thousands of animals have died, been displaced or are missing in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, and Florida animals will see similar fates as Irma leaves their state.

One Palm Beach County animal control director has said her agency will pursue felony animal cruelty charges if they can identify a pet’s owners. Dianne Suave of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control said they had recovered roughly 40 dogs before Irma made landfall—and there are sure to be many more.

“Some were tied up, others were in pens or in enclosed yards, unable to escape,” according to this USA Today story. Suave said such abandonment is one of the worst things someone can do to their pet. "There is absolutely no excuse for doing that."

We are heartbroken by the needless loss of life and suffering to come from these recent events. We urge animal owners to make sure their family’s disaster plan includes a plan for their family pets.