The Silent Victims Of Fukushima Then and Now: Pictorial
Blog by: Gabriel Kojima
Excerpt From:
http://familysurvivalprotocol.com/2012/10/15/the-silent-victims-of-fukushima-then-and-now/
In this June 19, 2011 photo, a stray pet cat rests inside a dryer at an abandoned coin laundry in central Namie, Japan less then ten kilometers from the crippled nuclear reactor. (AP Photo/AP Photographer David Guttenfelder on assignment for National Geographic Magazine)
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/fukushima-evacuation-zone-new-photos-japan-2011-12?op=1#ixzz29QNWLJ5F
Stray pet dogs fight in the deserted streets of Okuma, Japan (June 5)
The carcass of a cow decomposes next to a barn at a farm in Naraha, Japan. (July 9)
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/fukushima-evacuation-zone-new-photos-japan-2011-12?op=1#ixzz29QNjjNoF
Feeding abandoned stray dogs near Fukushima
The revelations being made by TEPCO may only be the “tip of the iceburg” as far real situation is in the Fukushima plant. The Daily Telegraph article reported that thousands of farm animals still alive in the “dead zone” have been “culled” or destroyed; and that it is not clear what the fate has been for more than 5,800 dogs that were owned by people living in the area.A few brave souls have risked their own health and safety to try to feed and rescue these animals. Their bravery is worth noting in light of the danger they face to do this.
Plea for helping domesticated animals in Fukushima: Please email the Japanese government
The photos of tethered and starving dogs in Fukushima are reminiscent of images from Hurricane Katrina aftermath when the U.S. and Lousiana governments ignored the welfare of animals that hurricane evacuees were forced to abandon.
Now that the Kan administration has made the Fukushima exclusion zone official, what about the animals nuclear evacuees had to leave behind? They couldn’t bring their 600,000 domesticated animals to shelters. Most have starved to death.
Pet rescuers including Isabella Gallaon-Aokiof Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support had been independently going into the exclusion zone to save dogs and cats. Animal owners want the government to euthanize those than remain rather than let them starve to death; none want to leave them behind to suffer:
A man, 73, who looked after 20 cattle in Tomiokamachi, said he often left his evacuation center to go and feed his cows. “I know each of these cows right down to their facial details and individual characteristics. I don’t want to see them suffer,” he said.Ken White at the San Francisco Chronicleshares a letter from a reader:
My name is Mikiko Kuroda who live in San Mateo,California. I really want to act about rescueing animal in Fukushima, in Japan. I am a Japanese and I really want to inform many people in U.S how terrible to animals in Fukushima.(around nuclear plant ) Individual volunteers groups have tried to rescue dogs, cats, horses, cows and more. However, unfortunately they try to survive by eating each other or they die of starvation.
I saw a lot of horrible pictures. And also I have contacted volunteers. Many people in Japan have appealed to Japanese government, but Japan is backward country for animals so the government is no reaction.
Please inform to people in U.S and write e-mail from U.S about rescuing Fukushima animals to Japanese government. This is e-mail address: https://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment_ssl.html
Thank you very much. Mikiko Kuroda
Let me add only one P.S. to this message, and it’s one that won’t give any easy answers or comfort. We’ve all seen many requests for funds from national and international organizations claiming to be helping the animals in Japan and asking for your financial support. My advice: be cautious; try as best you can to really determine if the support is effective. Although charlatans do certainly exist in the world of charities, the larger concern here is out-of-country efforts to help which fall short because of no in-country connections. We see this every time there is an international disaster, and even organizations with international sounding names may not be an effective path for getting your dollars where you want them to go. Kuroda’s request above is, hopefully, a way to help motivate Japan’s government to remain mindful of the non-human victims, and I think that may be especially valuable right now.
Fukushima: 6 months of Genocide
by pepismartdog on September 10, 2011
Fukushima dogs: 2 tsunami survivors
March 11th, 2011 marks exactly six months of genocide of the Japanese people and animals of Fukushima and surrounding areas. World leaders in radiation have called Fukushima “the greatest catastrophe in human history.” Japanese government KNOW the true levels of radiation throughout Fukushima and the surrounding areas, yet tell the people “it’s alright, don’t worry.”
Example: 3oo Becquerels per kilo is an unacceptable level of radiation. A rice farmer 80 kilometers from Fukushima had Japanese officials test his rice fields. They told him everything is good, but didn’t share any readings. He asked them to come back and retest a month later. They came but refused to show him any readings, yet told him his rice was OK to harvest and sell.The farmer then paid independent professionals to come in and read his rice fields: it tested at 53,000 Becquerels per kilo ! For proof of this, watch the video included in my article: “Worst Catastrophe In Human History” (Highly recommend you watch this !)
Kitten represents ALL Fukushima abandoned pets still clinging to life
For the last six months our entire planet has been in crisis, not just Japan. Radiation experts have proven data showing affects thruout the world from airborne radiation drifts.These are especially bad on the west coast of America and parts of Europe. If this is new to you, then you really need to start researching the TRUTH about Fukushima. Every single life on the planet is now affected, including ocean life and plant life.
Pets and Animals
Unable to survive without people to feed him…
Over one million pets were abandoned immediately after the tsunami. Animal rescue groups immediately swung into action. But on April 21st Japanese officials BANNED all animal rescue and feeding of pets and animals still waiting for rescue. Instead, officials declared these animals were to be STARVED TO DEATH. According to them, this was the honorable thing to do, because they find euthanization offensive !
It is very difficult to write about this without flying into a rage, on behalf of the animals. They have no voice, except for us. Two days ago Japanese Officials said they are about to KILL the remaining large animals, such as horses and cattle, by INJECTING DETERGENT !
UPDATE: information received 5pm Sept 10th: from NPO SALA’s Network: “cattle ARE being killed by INJECTING DISINFECTANT without using any sleep inducing drugs or anesthetic…cattle struggle and suffer very bad until they actually die.”
Fukushima pet forced to LIVE in darkened little transit cage for months
Also shocking is that most of the ‘already rescued pets’ have been LIVING in darkened little transport carry cages for the entire six months, in so called shelters. They don’t get out for exercise periods, or nice runs in the park. They eat, toilet and sleep in their dark little cage. Their muscles are cramped and their minds are broken, amidst the stench and endless howls. And the people refuse to euthanise them, because that offends them. Please NOTE: I do NOT include Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) in this statement.* Click here for the article that contains actual video footage: Video Tour Of Japan’s Animal Rescue Shelters
As I write this article I feel overwhelming sadness and helplessness. All I can ask is for people to at least think of these ones, trapped in this living hell, known as Fukushima.
Remember: this is a country who is now actively studying and tracking the time and symptoms of adults and CHILDREN, who now have Cesium 137 radiation poisoning, and are monitoring how long they take to die. This is not alarmist typing, this is factual, coming from leading radiation experts !
Picture says it all…
Today marks six months. We cannot help the animals who have already died of starvation, or caught in the many animal traps, or were poisoned, but we CAN still be a voice for those clinging to life. We cannot physically help the millions of people who are now directly affected. But we CAN stop and think of them. We CAN have empathy in our hearts toward all who are innocent to what the Japanese government is perpetrating.
Months ago I wrote an article saying this was no different than when Japan killed thousands of prisoners of war in their death camps and railway building. I said the animals are Japan’s new POWs. Some people were outraged and said I went too far, so I removed the article. But for crying out loud, there is no difference ! I wrote that months ago, but now things are worse !
I’ve been covering Fukushima since March and I’m now of the firm belief nothing at all has any affect on the Japanese government at all = except when the truth is leaked out ! Officials began curtailing all media about Fukushima, blacking out articles, blogs, and different accounts. Guess who had their facebook account shut down ? ME ! I’m not writing for ratings, so I’m sorry to those who find the truth offensive, but I just don’t think (pretending) polite pussy-footing is doing any good.
This video footage is the most astounding tsunami footage I have seen. The second half of the footage is terrifying. It is six months to the day since all this began. Double click on the video to watch it in full screen, then click ‘esc’ on your keyboard to return to normal viewing.
Not one thing any of us have done through petitions, etc, has made a scrap of difference to the Japanese government.
Inside cattle barn: soaked up to their knees in ‘mud’ of their excrement and urine. Notice how friendly & gentle, coming to the people, asking for help. They are still alive.
Quoting from SALA’s website: “The cows die of hunger…and even if they survive enduring hunger…their feet are roped so they are unable to leave the barn…they struggle and suffer until they actually die, foaming at the mouth and vomiting blood. Can you hear their silent voice ?”
There are two youtube videos, but I cannot bring myself to watch them. These pictures were taken from the videos.
Warning: GRAPHIC content of dying cows. User discretion advised.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBvKT6yX16Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JI3IRpYwLE
*Footnote: ARK have spacious enclosures, the animals are exercised and during winter the elderly ones are take home every evening by Elizabeth Oliver (Founder of ARK.) When dealing with large numbers of rescues, animals are fostered in people’s houses.
Pet rescue Fukushima! Animals saved from nuclear wasteland by volunteers who risked their own lives
By Daily Mail ReporterUPDATED: 08:08 EST, 31 January 2012
For months they have been forced to wander a desolate landscape, lost, confused and alone.
The thousands of dogs and cats abandoned in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis have endured dangerously high radiation levels, a severe lack of food and now the freezing winter weather.
But thanks to a group of selfless volunteers, who have braved the 20km exclusion zone around the stricken plant, many of the animals are finally being reunited with their grateful owners.
Fukushima pet rescue ISSEI KATO/REUTERS
The United Kennel Club Japan rescued a myriad of animals including these dogs that were abandoned in the nuclear exclusion zone.
In December last year, animal welfare groups were given special permission by the government to enter the exclusion zone to rescue surviving pets before the worst of the winter weather set in.
Mr Hoso, who currently has around 350 dogs and cats at his rescue shelter, said many of the animals were saved just in time.
He said: ‘When dogs are returned, many owners are really grateful although a limited few are not so grateful.
A 9.0-magnitude earthquake and massive tsunami on March 11 triggered the world’s worst nuclear accident in 25 years and forced residents around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to flee, with many of them having to leave behind their beloved pets.
More than 150,000 people from Fukushima prefecture still cannot return to their homes, with nearly half of them from the exclusion zone.
Fukushima pet rescue ISSEI KATO/REUTERS
The ashes of cats who died after being rescued from the Fukushima exclusion zone, are placed in urns at the United Kennel Club Japan’s pet shelter in Samukawa town, Kanagawa prefecture.
He added: ‘If left alone, tens of them will die everyday. Unlike well-fed animals that can keep themselves warm with their own body fat, starving ones will just shrivel up and die.
‘If we cannot go in to take them out, I hope the government will at least let us go there and leave food for them.’
He said: ‘I was really happy for my dogs. They are part of my family. There was no way I could abandon them.’
Mr Hoso said he plans to carry on until the last dog in his shelter is returned to its owner or finds a new home.
‘That is what keeps me going, what makes me determined that I have to push ahead until the last one goes back to its owner.”
Hero for the animals of Fukushima
Matsumura attends to the hundreds of abandoned cows.
A year after a devastating tsunami ravaged parts of Japan, the town of Tomioka is still under mandatory evacuation. It’s just 10 miles from the Fukushima nuclear plant, well inside the “exclusion zone.” But one man, Naoto Matsumura, refuses to leave. And for one reason: to care for the abandoned animals who have no way out.
By all accounts, Tomioka is the apocalypse now: deserted, layered in radioactive dust, buried debris. But the devastation is most evident in Matsumura’s gruesome descriptions of what he’s encountered since — and what he continues to discover. Dogs and cats left to die slowly and agonizingly of starvation. Caged birds with withered feathers. An emaciated cow and her calf, crying weakly in a corner of a barn.
Matsumura rescued this dog from a trap, but was not able to save his leg.
The heroism — the absolute selflessness — is almost beyond comprehension. Matsumura lives without human companionship of any kind, without electricity or running water. He leaves the area once in a while, only to buy food for his animals, and then sneaks back in. He is the only hope for the hundreds of cows, pigs, dogs, and cats who remain.
The prolonged exposure to such high levels of radiation is almost certainly a death sentence for Matsumura. Tests have revealed his body is “completely contaminated.” But with the government refusing to help, turning away is not an option.
“I’m full of rage,” he said. “That’s why I’m still here. I refuse to leave and let go of this anger and grief.”
For many people who work in animal welfare, success stories are our lifeline. Happy adoptions and news of tougher cruelty laws or random acts of kindness help keep us emotionally afloat. We are often told to focus on the positive — and that’s not bad advice.
But for some of us, acknowledging that rage, holding on to that anger and grief, is a big part of the equation too. It keeps us streamlined and dedicated. It keeps us motivated to continue. It keeps us honest with ourselves.
Naoto Matsumura, I am deeply moved by your sacrifice and bravery. Thank you for your uncompromising compassion, your integrity, and your honesty.
For information about donating to help feed Matsumura’s animals, click here: Guardians of Fukushima’s Animals
Matsumura’s only companionship are the animals he cares for.
Dogs abandoned at Fukushima, Japan, suffer PTSD-like effects
By Monte Morin
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES _ She was found roaming the streets of Fukushima’s exclusion zone, the sprawling ghost town that now surrounds Japan’s quake-crippled nuclear reactor.
One of an unknown number of dogs that were left chained or abandoned amid the disaster, the haggard-looking mutt bore a scar over one ear and unmistakable signs of chronic stress.
Yuki, as they called her, seemed to be suffering from a canine form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
While 340,000 people still live as refugees in the wake of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, animal science researchers at Azabu University report that former pets have also suffered lingering effects.
In a paper published Thursday in Scientific Reports, lead author and veterinary scientist Miho Nagasawa wrote that stray and abandoned animals recovered near the Fukushima Dai-ichi power station had stress hormone levels far higher than other Japanese dogs.
They also showed greater difficulty learning and developing an attachment to people.
Even after the dogs received care and re-socialization training, the effects of extreme stress persisted.
“The dogs from Fukushima showed significantly lower aggression toward unfamiliar people, trainability and attachment to their caretakers,” Nagasawa and colleagues wrote. “Also, urine cortisol levels in the dogs from Fukushima were 5-10 fold higher than those in abandoned dogs from another area of Japan.”
Nagasawa, who studies animal cognition and endocrine response, said the analysis involved an admittedly small number of dogs: 17. Those dogs, along with strays collected from another part of Japan, Kanagawa, were placed in a special dog rescue program at Azabu University. The animals were then cared for and trained so that they could be placed with new adoptive families.
Study authors said that cortisol levels in the Fukushima dogs remained much higher than those of the Kanagawa dogs even after 10 weeks of care.
They wrote that impaired learning and an inability to bond with people were also experienced by humans with PTSD.
“Humans affected by the disaster are already recovering and gradually returning to normal life,” the study authors wrote. “However, our results suggest the possibility that stress can induce excessive, deep psychosomatic impacts … in dogs. Long-term care and concern regarding the psychological impacts of disasters appears necessary in humans and companion animals.”
(c)2012 Los Angeles Times
Distributed by MCT Information Services
One of an unknown number of dogs that were left chained or abandoned amid the disaster, the haggard-looking mutt bore a scar over one ear and unmistakable signs of chronic stress.
Yuki, as they called her, seemed to be suffering from a canine form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
While 340,000 people still live as refugees in the wake of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, animal science researchers at Azabu University report that former pets have also suffered lingering effects.
In a paper published Thursday in Scientific Reports, lead author and veterinary scientist Miho Nagasawa wrote that stray and abandoned animals recovered near the Fukushima Dai-ichi power station had stress hormone levels far higher than other Japanese dogs.
They also showed greater difficulty learning and developing an attachment to people.
Even after the dogs received care and re-socialization training, the effects of extreme stress persisted.
“The dogs from Fukushima showed significantly lower aggression toward unfamiliar people, trainability and attachment to their caretakers,” Nagasawa and colleagues wrote. “Also, urine cortisol levels in the dogs from Fukushima were 5-10 fold higher than those in abandoned dogs from another area of Japan.”
Nagasawa, who studies animal cognition and endocrine response, said the analysis involved an admittedly small number of dogs: 17. Those dogs, along with strays collected from another part of Japan, Kanagawa, were placed in a special dog rescue program at Azabu University. The animals were then cared for and trained so that they could be placed with new adoptive families.
Study authors said that cortisol levels in the Fukushima dogs remained much higher than those of the Kanagawa dogs even after 10 weeks of care.
They wrote that impaired learning and an inability to bond with people were also experienced by humans with PTSD.
“Humans affected by the disaster are already recovering and gradually returning to normal life,” the study authors wrote. “However, our results suggest the possibility that stress can induce excessive, deep psychosomatic impacts … in dogs. Long-term care and concern regarding the psychological impacts of disasters appears necessary in humans and companion animals.”
(c)2012 Los Angeles Times
Distributed by MCT Information Services
In this photo taken in the town of Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture, on June 23, 2012, Naoto Matsumura, who cares for cattle abandoned by their owners, gives milk to a weakened calf via a feeding bottle. Behind him are the ostriches and the dog he keeps after their owners abandoned them. The town remains nearly deserted as the government in April 2011 designated it and other municipalities within a 20-kilometer ring around the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant as a no-go zone. The plant’s reactors suffered meltdowns after being struck by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, spewing massive amounts of radioactive materials into the air and sea. (Kyodo)
http://familysurvivalprotocol.com/2012/10/15/the-silent-victims-of-fukushima-then-and-now/
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