Fukushima's Animals Were Left to Die After Earthquake, Tsunami Hit Japan

According to a CNN article, the animals left behind in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was brought on by a devastating earthquake and ensuing tsunami that struck Japan nearly a year ago, were essentially left to die. In a turn of events that animal rights activists are deeming an outrage, the Japanese government failed to organize any real rescue efforts to save the animals left behind in the region.

The government cited the leaking radiation and the danger it posed to its workers as a deterrent to conducting any real organized rescue, but did give the United Kennel Club of Japan permission to go into the nuclear zone and save as many animals as they could find. With limited man power, the group and its volunteers could only save 350 of the region's thousands of stranded animals.

The revelation of the fate of Fukushima's animals comes nearly a year after Japan's national nuclear tragedy, which occurred (admittedly) due to lax standards and poor oversight by the Japanese government. In addition to the thousands of people affected by the environmental disaster, thousands of animals were also affected. Now, as the CNN report so graphically cites, "animal carcasses litter the region."

What do you think about the Japanese government apparently abandoning the animals left behind in Fukushima? Share your thoughts in a comment.