SPRINGFIELD - Pets are getting a place next to humans when it comes to making plans for statewide emergencies.

In a new law that was spawned by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the needs of dogs, cats and other household pets are now required to be included in official state evacuation plans.

The legislation, signed without comment Friday by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was proposed in response to the 2005 images of Gulf Coast evacuees tearfully leaving their pets behind as they fled the storm-ravaged region.

It also is aimed at addressing those people who wouldn't leave their pets behind as floodwaters surrounded their homes.

The new law, which goes into effect this summer, has been hailed by animal rights activists who say pets should be treated as members of a family when areas are being evacuated.