> At a Glance
> – The televised reunion of Oreo the dog and owner Casey Colvin during the Palisades Fire has led to California’s FOUND Act
> – New law mandates formal pet-rescue plans, emergency hotlines, and longer stray-hold periods during disasters
> – Colvin relocated with Oreo to the Central Valley to escape wildfire zones
> – Why it matters: Pet owners statewide gain legal protections ensuring animals won’t be left behind or lost in future evacuations
A viral moment of a small dog bounding through smoke into his owner’s arms has reshaped California emergency policy. The scene, broadcast as the Palisades Fire raged, became the catalyst for Assembly Bill 478, the nation’s first law requiring governments to plan for pet rescues during disasters.
From Viral Reunion to Legislation
When evacuations barred Casey Colvin from searching for Oreo, he ignored roadblocks and walked miles posting flyers. Cameras captured the tearful reunion after days of uncertainty, gripping viewers nationwide.
Colvin turned that trauma into action. Within 11 months, advocates passed the FOUND Act (Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters). The statute obliges every city and county to:
- Draft pet-rescue protocols before disasters strike
- Operate 24-hour emergency hotlines for missing animals
- Hold rescued strays longer before adoption to give owners time to claim them
Life After the Flames
Colvin, who calls his dogs his “fur kids,” left the fire-prone hills for the Central Valley calm. He recently adopted Pumpkin, joining Oreo and senior pup Teeka.
The emotional scars linger. “Every time I leave my house, I think my house is going to burn down,” he admits, hoping the fear fades. Still, the law bearing Oreo’s name offers reassurance that future owners won’t face the same terror.
Key Takeaways
- California’s FOUND Act is the country’s first law mandating government pet-rescue plans
- Requirement for longer stray-hold periods gives owners extra time to find displaced pets
- Colvin’s advocacy converted a personal crisis into statewide protection for animals
The once-missing pup now enjoys valley serenity, his story etched into legislation that will shield countless pets when the next wildfire hits.
