Feds criticize Hampton Roads' pet trailer purchase

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Federal investigators are criticizing Hampton Roads planners' use of a homeland security grant to buy pet evacuation supply trailers.

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General says the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission didn't seek competitive bids for the trailers.

Media outlets report that the commission disputes the finding. The commission says the trailer purchase was piggybacked on an existing state contract that was competitively awarded.

The report also cited a lack of state oversight.

The commission spent $422,240 to buy seven trailers. The trailers contain supplies for emergency pet shelters, such as cages.

Emergency management administrator Curtis Brown says people are less likely to evacuate in if they can't take their pets.