Fukushima 20km Zone

@CountrySmileNL very kindly added captions and edited the images I used on my blog about the mistreatment of animals used in circuses. I thought I would share them on here as they are so much more effective than those in my previous post.

Thank you very much! :)

On the subject of powerful images, why not get involved with the campaign to save the animals in the Fukushima 20km Zone. In March this year Japan was struck by a 9-magnitude earthquake and a devastating tsunami. Together these disasters resulted in a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in the north east coast of the country. Tens of thousands of people and animals lost their lives and many more people were forced to evacuate their homes. The majority of those that evacuated left their pets and farm animals, believing they would return in a couple of days. This was not the case.

On the 22nd of April, the government enforced a strict 20 km exclusion zone around the nuclear plant, putting an end to the ongoing rescue efforts and condemning pets and farm animals to starvation. Before the tsunami, it is estimated that over 10,000 cats and dogs, over 675,000 farm animals as well as horses, ostriches and other “exotic” animals lived in the area.

As a result of this decision to abandon the animals in the 20km zone, small groups of Japanese and foreign volunteers have, since the start of May, been entering the exclusion zone to rescue and feed the abandoned animals - putting themselves at risk from radiation poisoning and from being arrested by patrolling police officers. These courageous people work endlessly to rescue animals and try to reunite some with their families or have some adopted by new owners. If they cannot get the animals out of the zone at that time they leave food and water until an evacuation is allowed and suitable shelters found to house them.  Each rescued animal is checked and treated by a vet and frustratingly decontamination is not usually required - these animals are not a threat if they are removed from the 20km zone. Unfortunately, despite their tireless efforts and dedication, hundreds of animals have already starved to death or succumbed to injuries and neglect.

The Japanese government are still refusing to rescue the trapped animals, despite thousands of local and international petitions and emails expressing outrage and disbelief. In order to raise awareness and put pressure on the Japanese government, the Hachiko Coalition is asking all of us, citizens of the world, to take a photo of our pets and add a message asking that the Fukushima animals be saved. Citizens of Japan, France and the US have enthusiastically sent their photos and they are now being joined by countries such as Brazil, Belarus, Australia, Italy, the UK and others. Every day, Nancy Gothard, of Hachiko Coalition, sends the photos by email, courier, fax and Twitter to eleven Ministries, the National Diet, the Emperor of Japan and Fukushima Prefectural officials.

Please, take part in the campaign and send your photos (jpeg format) with your name, city and country to nancy@hachiko-coalition.org 

These animals have survived an earthquake, a tsunami and radiation threats, but food and water is running dangerously low as the brave volunteers' attempts at rescue are being thwarted by more police patrols and the harsh weather conditions that winter brings.

 

This is my dog Cody. He's happy at home, thousands of miles away from the suffering in Fukushima 20km Zone, but I'd like to think that his cute little face, and expressive eyes will help sway the government into reconsidering their decision to abandon the animals. Please get involved.