Animal Rescue Operations in Japan

While rescue workers carry on searching for and assisting human survivors one week after Japan’s destructive earthquake and following tsunami, animal welfare groups are functioning around the clock to find medicine, food, and shelter for Japan’s animals.

Sadly, despite the determined hard work by the worldwide and local animal rescuers on the ground, there have been very few signs of animal life in the areas nearby to the disaster.

Animal Rescue Corps estimate that up to 90,000 companion animals may have been affected. That does not include livestock, wildlife and strays. 

The animal rescue efforts are not easy as gas is in short supply and resources and supplies are progressively more thin the farther west rescuers voyage. Sadly, the most devastated towns and the areas within the radiation evacuation zone are feared to have the most animals needing to be rescued.

Susan Roberts, of Japan Cat Network, says, “One of the largest problems is the tremendous lack of accessible sheltering facilities. Most welfare groups here work unofficially at a local level, and rely exclusively on fostering as a means of re-homing stray and discarded pets. Though we plan to use fostering comprehensively, as we always have, it will be a real test to find space and places to put the huge numbers of animals that are now in need of rescue from the disaster areas. Still, every animal that we are able to get out, and on a path to something better, will be a victory.”

Japan Cat Network

Japan Cat Network was founded by administrator David Wybenga and Susan Roberts in 1993, has ever since then been doing wonderful work in association with other animal groups all over Japan, getting cats spayed or neutered and returning them to their neighborhoods. They use TNR (trap/neuter/return) and no-kill beliefs as the way to really make a difference in the lives of the cats in Japan.

David Wybenga wrote on Saturday, “We are touched by people who want to reach out to those in danger as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.”

The Japan Animal Welfare Society and The Japan SPCA

These 2 Japan-based groups have paired up to rescue animals all over the affected areas. They maintain to post updates on their website.” We have safe locations in 3 cities and are getting prepared to transport animal supplies. We’re communicating with local animal groups and community governments. We hope to be able to send rescuers to the disaster zone.”

Humane Society International

Humane Society International sent a group of animal rescue volunteers to Japan after the earthquake.

You can donate to Humane Society International at this link:                                                                          http://www.hsi.org/news/news/2011/03/japan_aid_plan_031411.html

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