Fukushima's Animals Were Left to Die After Earthquake, Tsunami Hit Japan
Published January 26, 2012
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Did the Japanese government leave the animals stranded in Fukushima to die in the wake of the region's nuclear disaster?
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.
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Comments (13)
While there are many people that look after there animals with the upmost care, it saddens me to see how the majority of people dont give a damn, and even worse actually harm animals for fun. Makes me sick, im actually ashamed to be human, thinking that humans are the main cause of most the animal suffering in this world. The levels of neglect and pain suffered by these animals is beyond comprehension. Animals have no voice, they need you too speak with your goverment rep and get proper animal protection laws in place. Until then they will continue to suffer in unimaginable ways. ACT NOW
Japan has become an intensely materialistic society since the American occupation after World War II. That type of devotion to Mammon coupled with an Asian world-view could explain in part explain what Americans interpret as a callous fatalistic penchant. But it would not surprise me if Americans would react in a similar way in the event of a similar disaster.
I thought there would probably be many pets that would die let alone the people cause of the dire situation there. However, I also hoped that many,many would be saved. I would've done everything possible to save my pets and those of others. Oh so very Sad!
We have been following the Fukushima animal crisis from the beginning. Yes. They were left to die. In December the Japanese government told animal rescuers that they can apply for permits to rescue pets, 16 groups recieved permits (UKC Japan being one of the 16), many other rescuers were denied permits. The government was selective. Just over 300 animals were brought out of the zone within weeks in December. There are thousands still waiting. The animals have bred, there are puppies and kittens as well. It is a tragedy. www.facebook.com/hachiko.coalition
This mirrors the U.S. Government's reaction to the crisis in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; it is to be hoped that Japanese animal lovers and compassionate members of society will rally and push for legislation similar to that we advocated for and won passage of domestically. May those whose innocent and blameless lives were lost have that as a lasting memorial and tribute to their sacrifice.