The Hachiko Coalition Calls for Immediate Evacuation of Animals Inside Japan's Nuclear Exclusion Zone
The Hachiko Coalition is calling for the organized and immediate evacuation of all uncontaminated domestic animals, pets and livestock inside the 20km radiation contaminated exclusion zone Fukushima, Japan.
The Hachiko Coalition has also published a rush translation of a report previously available only in Japanese. A special committee issued this report after their landmark conference on handling animals exposed to radiation. The report contains the opinions of wildlife and radiological experts on how to deal with the animals inside the radiation zone.
On April 22, 2011, Japanese policy makers began enforcing a strict "no-entry" policy into the 20km evacuation area around the destroyed TEPCO nuclear reactor.
Reports state as many as 200,000 people were evacuated to shelters. Many residents left their pets either inside homes, restrained on leashes, or free in the streets after the civilian evacuation took place. Prior to the civilian evacuation, there were estimated 5,800 registered dogs in the nine impacted prefecture areas. Accounting for unregistered dogs, one SPCA estimated there might have been 10,000 dogs within the area.
In the two months that have followed the evacuation, neither the Japanese policy makers nor TEPCO have organized any large-scale animal and pet evacuation. Photos and videos of starving animals have begun to appear on the Internet.
In response to this "no-entry" policy, a protest and vigil for the animals still stranded was held in Tokyo on May 8th at TEPCO offices. Citizens have turned to the Internet to voice their pleas and draw more attention on this ongoing animal emergency.
An evacuee of Minami Soma-shi, Fukushima has posted an emotional video online making a plea to "All the people of Japan" to rescue the animals and pets currently stranded in the TEPCO exclusion zone. The video, dated May 6, 2011, and entitled "SOS Fukushima Animals" is available on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0frBRQ_ndls
The recorded plea concludes: "Everybody in Japan, please help us. Please."
A full English language transcript of this video is available at The Hachiko Coalition website:
http://hachiko-coalition.org/post/5343210266/press-release-sos-fukushima-animals-a-fukushima
The Hachiko Coalition can also provide more video and images from local residents and ad-hoc rescue teams who bypassed checkpoints and entered the hot zone. These pet owners, rescuers, and farmers are also available for interview.
Since the enforcement of the strict "no-entry" policy, many pets and livestock have died of starvation or dehydration. The Hachiko Coalition firmly believes this suffering was preventable simply by conducting an organized evacuation of the animals or permitting the willing and well-trained rescue groups to re-enter the zone and resume the animal evacuations and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
On May 12, in a story entitled "Risky Rescue: Saving Pets From Japan Exclusion Zone," National Public Radio (NPR/USA) described animal rescuers who were conducting "clandestine and dangerous trips" into the radiation zone to rescue starving animals. Video footage of these raids has appeared on YouTube.
In one such video, a group of rescuers can be seen inside the zone dropping food in the empty streets -- piles of dog food can be seen lining the streets. Barking dogs can be heard inside the now long-empty apartments along the street:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwPONXhkCps
At 3:51, off-camera, a man says: "There are so many dogs barking..." Apparently urging his team to stay calm in the face of multiple dogs stranded within the apartments and potentially starving, the man says: "Everyone, stay strong... We'll come back again."
A May 15 article appearing in the Washington Times entitled "Thousands of pets left in Japan nuke zone" contains more estimates of the number of animals stranded in the zone and statements from the founder of Nippon SPCA:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/15/thousands-pets-abandoned-japan-nuke-zone/?page=1
Nippon SPCA has resorted to posting an open demand letter addressed to the Japanese Prime Minister and TEPCO on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=164488110279747
While this triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, radiation) might be unprecedented, it is not unmanageable. The Hachiko Coalition believes immediate animal and pet evacuation is still viable: Japan has vast resources and technical know-how and is capable of raising an organized and immediate evacuation. Japanese policy makers simply need to deploy the resources to solve this problem.
The Hachiko Coalition also urges TEPCO, the operator of the damaged nuclear power plant, to immediately release emergency evacuation funding from their disaster insurance pools to provide for the evacuation and sheltering of the livestock and pets impacted by this nuclear incident.
The Japanese Parliament in 1999 passed a revised Animal Protection Law, which defines criminal prosecution for "cruelty" and "neglect" of animals. The law is promulgated on the Ministry of the Environment website. Radiation exposure isn't specifically addressed but various forms of neglect and starvation are addressed. It is not clear how these laws will be interpreted after this nuclear incident or if disaster declarations supersede the existing animal welfare laws.
On May 10, 2011, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), in conjunction with the Japan Animal Referral Medical Center (JARMeC), released a "special committee" report detailing animal intake protocols for animals exposed to radiation and calling for the immediate evacuation, ongoing monitoring, and long-term management of these animals in the interest of public health.
The report (http://www.jarmec.jp/pdf/IFAW-all.pdf) states:
"Furthermore, we should expedite efforts currently underway in the evacuation area to take external measurements of animal radiation levels, and immediately evacuate animals that are able to survive."
The report contains flowcharts showing the procedure for triage and cleaning of animals evacuated from the "hot zone" with the goal of returning them to normal life. Addressing the implementation of the procedures defined in the report, the committee states: "We hope that those responsible in the Japanese government and in each prefecture will study these proposals promptly for immediate implementation."
The report concludes with this statement:
"Let's save Fukushima. Let us work together for Fukushima and in so doing learn for the future of mankind."
An English language translation of this special committee report is available here:
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/55507951?access_key=key-i4lekxf7ql5m02r7kf5
or shortened:
http://goo.gl/JLDWj
On May 12, democratic representative Tamaki Yuichiro announced pets would be rescued during two-hour home-visits by evacuees. However, this plan will take weeks to complete, leading to more starvation.
Furthermore, some evacuees have already found they cannot locate their pets in the two-hour window and this plan does not provide for the evacuation of stray dogs and cats.
On May 13, 2011, the Japanese Prime Minister's Office announced a plan to euthanize much of the livestock within the TEPCO exclusion zone. This option was apparently forced by the lack of previous animal evacuation efforts. Many pets have already starved to death as a result of inaction and blocking access to the radioactive zone. Speaking to this situation, an official from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) stated:
"Since the zone is blocked, we have no idea how many pets are still alive."
Given the special committee report procedures and the fact that a group of veterinarians has recently created a proposal to create an animal sanctuary, alternatives to mass-euthanasia exist and, as the special committee report states, study of these animals may provide long-term benefits.
The Hachiko Coalition believes the current "starve them out" plan to deal with these animals is unacceptable and reprehensible to the many people witnessing the events as they unfold. Each day that passes risks more unnecessary pet and livestock starvation, suffering, and death.
To prevent further suffering, and to comply with the special committee recommendations, an organized rescue operation of companion and farm animals must be implemented immediately. As the special committee report concluded: Let's save Fukushima. Let us work together for Fukushima and in so doing learn for the future of mankind.
The Hachiko Coalition calls on the Prime Minster's Office to issue an order and conduct this evacuation in accordance with the procedures set forth by the special committee immediately.
About The Hachiko Coalition:
Informally created during Hurricane Katrina to provide contract support to the US Air Force for civilian emergency evacuation, The Hachiko Coalition was regrouped and renamed following the triple catastrophe in Japan. Currently, the Coalition is working to draw attention to the plight of animals and pets left behind within the TEPCO radioactive exclusion zone.
Contact Information:
The Hachiko Coalition
pr@hachiko-coalition.org
415-669-4757
http://hachiko-coalition.org
SOURCE The Hachiko Coalition
Monday, May 16, 2011
Holly Eukanuba Challenge Champion Finalist
Local Salt Lake City Sheltie Named Eukanuba Challenge Champion Finalist
WHO: Westland Sheltie – Holly – from Magna, UT was just named a finalist in the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge Champion Contest; there will be a total of five finalists. As a finalist, Holly and four other canines from around the U.S. have each won a year's supply of Eukanuba food.
WHAT: Between Feb. 15 and April 30, 2011, dog owners taking the 28-Day Challenge were encouraged to enter the Challenge Champion Contest by submitting 100 words or less to explain their dog's transformation from good to extraordinary while eating Eukanuba for just 28 days. The winning "Challenge Champion" will be announced on Eukanuba's Facebook page Monday, June 6, 2011. The top dog will receive the pink carpet treatment with a Hollywood-style photo and video shoot, appear in the September issue of Dog Fancy magazine and star in an upcoming Eukanuba print advertisement.
ABOUT HOLLY: Holly is a 10 year-old seizure alert service dog, who recently experienced a transformation so drastic after completing the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge that she's now out of retirement. Holly's owner, Shanna had begun the retiring process with her because Holly was slowing down and having more difficulty walking from what her owner thought was due to old age. But after simply switching Holly to Eukanuba Weight Control, Shanna saw an amazing transformation – Holly dropped the extra weight she'd been carrying and now acts like a young dog again. Holly's full of energy and is back to her service dog status, helping Shanna live her life confidently and independently. Holly and Shanna are very active in their community – they regularly speak to elementary school children about the proper care of animals, as well as compete in agility, herding and obedience competitions.
SOURCE Eukanuba
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Chained Dog And Fighting Dogs Are Rescued
What is believed as an extreme animal abuser who had wrapped his dog up in a chain and dumped his dog out of his moving truck to die. Well luckily someone had seen this and called the Greenville County Sheriff’s and had the dog taken to the Greenville County Animal Control for medical attention.
Hopefully this poor dog will make it and the creep that did this will be charged for what he did to this dog.
Read the article here.
While over in Africa the Western Cape police had raided a dog fighting ring at a farm in Plettenberg today where they were able to rescue eight pit bulls. The Police also arrested ten animal abusers and charged them with contradicting the Animal Protection Act for conducting illegal animal fights.
Western Cape police Captain Malcolm Pojie said: When they arrived at the entrance of the farm, they found that the gate was locked. They had to remove the heavy lock and chain that was used to lock the gate. It was evident that something very suspicious was happening inside the boundaries of the farm. The two dogs were already badly injured. These two dogs, as well as another six dogs that were lined up on chains outside the house for the next fights were confiscated.
It always good to hear about a dog fighting ring being broken up and hopefully the two dogs will be alright after some medical attention.
Read the article here.
Hopefully this poor dog will make it and the creep that did this will be charged for what he did to this dog.
Read the article here.
While over in Africa the Western Cape police had raided a dog fighting ring at a farm in Plettenberg today where they were able to rescue eight pit bulls. The Police also arrested ten animal abusers and charged them with contradicting the Animal Protection Act for conducting illegal animal fights.
Western Cape police Captain Malcolm Pojie said: When they arrived at the entrance of the farm, they found that the gate was locked. They had to remove the heavy lock and chain that was used to lock the gate. It was evident that something very suspicious was happening inside the boundaries of the farm. The two dogs were already badly injured. These two dogs, as well as another six dogs that were lined up on chains outside the house for the next fights were confiscated.
It always good to hear about a dog fighting ring being broken up and hopefully the two dogs will be alright after some medical attention.
Read the article here.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Did You Enter The Second Dream Dog Park Contest
BENEFUL® Brand Asks America’s Dog Owners: HOW BIG CAN YOU DREAM?
Second Dream Dog Park Contest to Award another $500,000 Dog Park Makeover;
Design Expert and TV Personality Jason Cameron to Help Bring the Beneful Dream Dog Park to Life
Millions of dog owners agree that life is best enjoyed with the company of their four-legged friends, and a trip to the local dog park is one of the greatest ways to spend quality time together. To recognize and celebrate these special moments, Beneful® brand dog food is announcing its Dream Dog Park Contest that invites dog owners to share ideas for the ultimate dog park for their daily adventures with their best buddy.
Now in its second year, the contest challenges dog owners to get creative and Dream Big as they answer the question: If you had $500,000 to spend to create the ultimate dream dog park, what would you do? Functional or just plain fun, one lucky Grand Prize winner’s idea will help serve as inspiration for a half-million dollar makeover of a dog park that the entire community can enjoy. Dog owners can enter the contest from now through June 21 at BenefulDreamDogPark.com.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a contest that lets dog owners dream about ways to spend even more quality time with their four-legged friends,” said Jason Cameron, TV personality, dog owner and head designer for the Beneful® Dream Dog Park Contest. “I was amazed by the creative ideas dog owners dreamed up for last year’s contest and can’t wait to see what they come up with this year. Don’t hold back, because $500,000 can build one amazing dog park in your area.”
How the Contest Works
To enter the Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest, dog owners are asked to complete an online entry form and submit a 250-word (or less) essay that answers the question: If you had $500,000 to create a dream dog park for you and your best buddy, what would you do? Entrants must also include a photo of them with their dog showing how life is better when they are together.
In addition to having his or her idea(s) help serve as inspiration for a $500,000 makeover of a dog park, the Grand Prize winner will receive a $10,000 cash award and a year’s supply of Beneful® brand dog food. In addition, nineteen runners-up will each receive a year’s supply of Beneful® brand dog food. The Beneful Dream Team, which includes Cameron and pet expert and bestselling author Arden Moore, will serve as judges to help select the winner. Cameron will also manage the transformation of the park, with Moore providing expertise from the dog’s point of view.
Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest Timeline
· May 12 - June 21, 2011 – Contest entry period (Round 1: essay of 250 words or less and photo)
· June/July 2011 – Key B Messages
Independent judging panel selects up to 20 finalists based on: creativity of the idea(s) (60%); feasibility of bringing the idea(s) to life (20%); and whether the idea(s) effectively demonstrate how life is better with your dog (20%)
· July 2011 – August 1, 2011 – Finalists submit an up to two minute video showcasing their dream dog park ideas (Round 2)
· August 8 - September 8, 2011 – Public votes on the finalists’ videos; Beneful Dream Team judges them using the same criteria as Round 1 to help select the Grand Prize winner (judging is 90% of final score; assigned public voting rank is 10%)
· September 2011 – Grand Prize Winner announced
· Spring 2012 – Newly-renovated dog park unveiled
To excite and inspire dog owners even further, Beneful brand dog food will unveil America’s first Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, GA, on June 15, 2011. The $500,000 renovation was inspired by last year’s Grand Prize winner, Johns Creek resident Pat McNeely and his lovable Siberian Husky named Koda.
“Once dog owners across the country get a look at the inaugural Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Ga., complete with a giant bone-shaped ramp with tunnels and water splash pads, they will be even more motivated to enter this year’s contest. One lucky winner’s idea will help serve as inspiration for a $500,000 renovation of a dog park in his/her area,” said Ken Wilhelm, Beneful Brand Director.
For more information on the contest, official rules and to enter, visit BenefulDreamDogPark.com.
About the Beneful® Brand
Manufactured by Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Beneful brand dog food offers a full line of wet, dry and treats formulas that offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Introduced in 2001, Beneful is one of the most successful dog food brands in the Company’s history. The North American headquarters for the Nestle Purina PetCare Company is located at Checkboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ralston Purina Company was founded more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A.- the world’s largest food company.
Second Dream Dog Park Contest to Award another $500,000 Dog Park Makeover;
Design Expert and TV Personality Jason Cameron to Help Bring the Beneful Dream Dog Park to Life
Millions of dog owners agree that life is best enjoyed with the company of their four-legged friends, and a trip to the local dog park is one of the greatest ways to spend quality time together. To recognize and celebrate these special moments, Beneful® brand dog food is announcing its Dream Dog Park Contest that invites dog owners to share ideas for the ultimate dog park for their daily adventures with their best buddy.
Now in its second year, the contest challenges dog owners to get creative and Dream Big as they answer the question: If you had $500,000 to spend to create the ultimate dream dog park, what would you do? Functional or just plain fun, one lucky Grand Prize winner’s idea will help serve as inspiration for a half-million dollar makeover of a dog park that the entire community can enjoy. Dog owners can enter the contest from now through June 21 at BenefulDreamDogPark.com.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a contest that lets dog owners dream about ways to spend even more quality time with their four-legged friends,” said Jason Cameron, TV personality, dog owner and head designer for the Beneful® Dream Dog Park Contest. “I was amazed by the creative ideas dog owners dreamed up for last year’s contest and can’t wait to see what they come up with this year. Don’t hold back, because $500,000 can build one amazing dog park in your area.”
How the Contest Works
To enter the Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest, dog owners are asked to complete an online entry form and submit a 250-word (or less) essay that answers the question: If you had $500,000 to create a dream dog park for you and your best buddy, what would you do? Entrants must also include a photo of them with their dog showing how life is better when they are together.
In addition to having his or her idea(s) help serve as inspiration for a $500,000 makeover of a dog park, the Grand Prize winner will receive a $10,000 cash award and a year’s supply of Beneful® brand dog food. In addition, nineteen runners-up will each receive a year’s supply of Beneful® brand dog food. The Beneful Dream Team, which includes Cameron and pet expert and bestselling author Arden Moore, will serve as judges to help select the winner. Cameron will also manage the transformation of the park, with Moore providing expertise from the dog’s point of view.
Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest Timeline
· May 12 - June 21, 2011 – Contest entry period (Round 1: essay of 250 words or less and photo)
· June/July 2011 – Key B Messages
Independent judging panel selects up to 20 finalists based on: creativity of the idea(s) (60%); feasibility of bringing the idea(s) to life (20%); and whether the idea(s) effectively demonstrate how life is better with your dog (20%)
· July 2011 – August 1, 2011 – Finalists submit an up to two minute video showcasing their dream dog park ideas (Round 2)
· August 8 - September 8, 2011 – Public votes on the finalists’ videos; Beneful Dream Team judges them using the same criteria as Round 1 to help select the Grand Prize winner (judging is 90% of final score; assigned public voting rank is 10%)
· September 2011 – Grand Prize Winner announced
· Spring 2012 – Newly-renovated dog park unveiled
To excite and inspire dog owners even further, Beneful brand dog food will unveil America’s first Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, GA, on June 15, 2011. The $500,000 renovation was inspired by last year’s Grand Prize winner, Johns Creek resident Pat McNeely and his lovable Siberian Husky named Koda.
“Once dog owners across the country get a look at the inaugural Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Ga., complete with a giant bone-shaped ramp with tunnels and water splash pads, they will be even more motivated to enter this year’s contest. One lucky winner’s idea will help serve as inspiration for a $500,000 renovation of a dog park in his/her area,” said Ken Wilhelm, Beneful Brand Director.
For more information on the contest, official rules and to enter, visit BenefulDreamDogPark.com.
About the Beneful® Brand
Manufactured by Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Beneful brand dog food offers a full line of wet, dry and treats formulas that offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Introduced in 2001, Beneful is one of the most successful dog food brands in the Company’s history. The North American headquarters for the Nestle Purina PetCare Company is located at Checkboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ralston Purina Company was founded more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A.- the world’s largest food company.
Looks Like Burger King Doesn’t Know The ADA Rules For Service Dogs
It’s hard enough to be a blind person but for this woman named Helen Arnold and her service dog learned the reality of a cruel employee at a Burger King Restaurant has shown that some people just don’t care about people with disabilities when they told Helen that she had to leave with her dog.
Helen Arnold was told: Get out of my restaurant and I was taken aback by that statement. I was totally humiliated to be told to leave this restaurant. When I told her he was not a pet, he was a working service dog, she said: No that's a pet!
I feel bad for Helen Arnold to have gone though this due to this employee as if it not bad enough to try and live a life with the help of her dog.
Read the article by Valerie Boey here.
Blind woman, guide dog kicked out of Burger King: MyFoxORLANDO.com
Helen Arnold was told: Get out of my restaurant and I was taken aback by that statement. I was totally humiliated to be told to leave this restaurant. When I told her he was not a pet, he was a working service dog, she said: No that's a pet!
I feel bad for Helen Arnold to have gone though this due to this employee as if it not bad enough to try and live a life with the help of her dog.
Read the article by Valerie Boey here.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Dog Bites Sure Ad Up, Just Look What State Farm Paid Out
It’s Not the Breed, It’s the Bite
State Farm Lists Top Ten States for Dog Bite Claims
Each year, almost five million people are bitten or attacked by dogs. Dog bites are a serious public health problem that can cause both physical and emotional damage to victims and considerable cost to communities.
Top 10 states for State Farm Dog Bite Claims in 2010
State Number of claims Claims paid (estimated)
1. California 369 $11.3 million
2. Illinois 317 $9.7 million
3. Ohio 215 $5.7 million
4. Texas 202 $3.7 million
5. Michiga 166 $5.2 million
6. Pennsylvania 155 $3.9 million
7. Florida 146 $5.6 million
8. Minnesota 139 $3.4 million
9. New York 119 $4.3 million
10. Indiana 114 $1.8 million
State Farm® paid more than $90 million as a result of the nearly 3,500 dog bite claims in 2010. This is one of the reasons that State Farm recognizes National Dog Bite Prevention Week, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association during the week of May 15 - 21.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that in 2009, insurers across the country paid more than $412 million in dog bite claims.
A dog’s tendency to bite depends on such factors as heredity, obedience training, socialization, health, and the victim’s behavior. There are good dogs and bad dogs within every breed, just as there can be responsible and irresponsible owners of each breed. State Farm *does not refuse insurance based on the breed of dog a customer owns but does require policyholders to answer questions about their dogs’ history on a homeowner insurance application.
*The state of Ohio has determined that the pit bull meets the definition of a "vicious dog”.As a result, the owners of pit bulls or any American Staffordshire terrier mix are subject to specific requirements to protect the public from injury by these animals. State Farm does not provide coverage under its homeowner’s policy in the state for this breed of dog.
Children are frequent victims of dog bites. In fact, 60 percent of all dog bite victims are children under the age of 12. Tragically, of the 33 dog bites that resulted in death last year, 20 of these fatalities were young children.
In addition to stressing responsible pet ownership, State Farm encourages responsible behavior and caution around dogs, including family pets. Under the right circumstances, any dog might bite.
* NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
* Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.
* Start teaching young children -- including toddlers -- to be careful around pets.
* Children must be taught NOT to approach strange dogs.
* Always ask permission from a dog's owner before petting any dog.
For more information about dog bite prevention, visit the State Farm Learning Center or the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Has Japan Just Left The Animals To Die
Newly Released Videos Shed Light on Conditions Inside the Fukushima Exclusion Zone
Three new videos discovered by the Hachiko Coalition show the situation in Fukushima is dire -- wide-spread animal starvation.
Three videos recently published on Youtube indicate a wide-spread animal and pet emergency is still taking place inside the Fukushima exclusion zone.
April 22, the government has implemented a “no-go” law punishable by fines or imprisonment [1].
This policy has reportedly blocked access by private Animal Search and Rescue teams — many of which have documented wide-spread starvation of the companion animals, pets, and livestock within the TEPCO exclusion zone.
Concerned citizens held a protest in Tokyo on May 8th, starting in the "Hachiko" Square and ending at TEPCO offices [2].
Photos available on the Angels 2005 Animal Rescue Team "Action Report Blog" show many pets have already starved to death [3].
On May 5th, PETA has issued an action alert which in part states [4]:
"Please urge the Japanese government to take immediate action to transfer farmed animals inside the 20-kilometer no-go zone to facilities where they can be cared for or to euthanize any animals who are suffering."
PETA also provides a form email for readers to send:
"I was shocked to learn that the Japanese government has yet to take action to end the suffering of the estimated hundreds of thousands of farmed animals in the no-go zone around the Fukushima power plant."
---
FIRST VIDEO:
"Individuals entering Fukushima no-go zone to feed and rescue dogs" (not suitable for children):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwPONXhkCps
CONDENSED SUBTITLE TRANSCRIPTION FOLLOWS:
@0:00: The video opens in a parking lot with a skittish dog looking cautiously at the rescuers.
*BEEP*
*BEEP*
*BEEP*
A geiger counter sounds a warning, not just of detected radiation particles, but a warning that the animal rescue team is being over exposed to radiation.
The skittish dog approaches food scattered on the ground and begins eating.
Behind the car, a team member can be seen kneeling down to calm yet another dog on a leash.
A man says: “66.33mSv, then 68…It’s going to exceed 70 [mSv/hour]. Oh, it has exceed 70…it’s already 71.16 mSv/hour. It gets really strong in the 2km zone. But this is still not too bad.”
Speaking of the leashed dog: “We’ll take you with us and hope we’ll find the owner.”
The team takes note of the dog and GPS location in order to find the owner.
Referring back to the skittish dog: “Ok then…See you next time then. You have to stay alive, ok?”
—-
@3:49: The team stops on a street in the middle of town. Piles of dog food can be seen in the street. Barking dogs can be heard inside the empty apartments along the street.
“There are so many dogs barking.” Urging his team to stay calm in the face of twenty or more dogs stranded in houses and potentially starving, the man says: “Everyone, stay strong… We’ll come back again.”
—-
@5:54: The team is back in the car driving through town. Dogs are wandering past on the street. “Let’s throw out lots of food. Everyone [the dogs] are waiting look. Stay strong…You too…Poor dogs…”
Other passenger: “Throw the food out..More and more…”
Woman: “Give a lot of food, we won’t be able to feed them for a while…We don’t know when we can come back again in this situation…Just give everything out.”
The camera pans to the back seat, past the driver who is wearing a white radiation protective suit and googles. There are three dogs sitting in the back seat. “Hey you guys…We are taking you guys with us, ok?”
---
SECOND VIDEO
Fukushima no-go zone to feed and rescue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGc_K1n7j60
The scrolling title indicates this video was taken on April 22, 2011.
VIDEO CONTAINS SUBTITLES
---
THIRD VIDEO
SOS Fukushima Animals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0frBRQ_ndls
In yet a third video entitled "SOS Fukushima animals," a Fukushima prefecture citizen has released a desperate plea of help, worried the animals may be starving and pleading for the government to provide rescue and shelter.
FULL SUBTITLE TRANSCRIPTION FOLLOWS
0:00: The video opens: "[SOS] Fukushima animals"
[The citizen bows to the camera. Reading from prepared notes, the citizen begins:]
Hello to everyone all over Japan. I am Meiko Yoshida, living in Odaku-ku, Minami Soma-shi, Fukushima-ken. My residence is at 17 km of the power plant.
March 11, 2011, the area was hit by the Eastern Japan mega earthquake as well as the tidal wave, followed by a series of accidents at TEPCO. The entire area of Odaka-ku, where we live, is within the 20 km radius. On March 12, the next day of the earthquake, TEPCO issued a voluntary evacuation order to Odaku-ku, which I was not aware of at the time.
The following day, on Sunday, March 13, I went to Odaka Ward Office, where I was told to evacuate immediately. The faces of the personnels then at the office were all devoid of expression like zombies while they worked. They knew what really happened in the power plant, that something horrible [had] happened, that is why their faces became like zombies.
Even though I was told to evacuate immediately, since I had nine cats to take care of at home, I had not been able to evacuate immediately. Several days later, on March 19, the Self-Defense Force members and the Ward Office personnels visited my home to persuade me to evacuate. I was told to leave the pets behind, and I left without them. At the time, I made a mistake of releasing my inside-living cats outdoors. I didn’t have a mobile phone. I regret not having been able to consult with others who were in the same situation as myself.
Even at the evacuation center though, I was worried about my cats at home, so from March 19 until the midnight of April 21, I went back home every other day or two days to feed them food and water. During that period, six out of nine cats I released [had] been found and I have asked animal protection groups to look after them. One of the nine [has] died of a disease, and still now there are two remaining whom I have not been able to protect yet.
In the a.m. of April 21 – it was just so sudden – I heard that the 20 km area would become a severe cautionary zone. Before when I asked around when the off-limit will take effect, no one ever told me, but a bad news like that happened suddenly. Out of excessive worry, at around 23:00 on April 21, I went home but I was unable to provide them for protection. The cautionary zone became effective starting April 22, so I could no longer go back to my house. I had been asking the police officers at the checkpoint how I can get inside, [and they] told me that I need to obtain a permit from the city mayor, so I also went and appealed directly to the city mayor. So I went back and forth between the city’s municipal office and the public health department, and asked to be permitted inside the zone, but it just could not be done.
The other day, on April 28, the public health department went inside the 20 km zone for the purpose of doing research; however this was for inspection only, so they could pick up wandering animals from the road. But no helping hand was extended for the cats and dogs who were left inside homes. When you rescue animals, time allowance is needed to carry out the task, but being told “it starts tomorrow” so suddenly, I was not able to carry out rescue.
At evacuation centers, there are MANY people who were told the same way and could not even prepare for evacuation, nor could they take their pets with them to evacuate. Those people are so worried about their pets living without them, their heartache is so severe that they can’t sleep for nights; they can’t even eat [and] many of them are emaciated. Please help those of us who are worried about our animals and our pets.
Twelve many days have already passed since the off-limit zone order took effect on April 22. Pets also have lives, so I worry at the possibility of them not being protected in time. Please help to remove the disaster victims’ worries and heartache. I felt nothing would become of just being quiet, so I made a picket sign by myself and stood in front of the municipal office and collected this from those in similar circumstances.
[Holding up papers:] I started this on April 30 and it’s been three days since. I collected accounts from fourteen people suffering similar problems, right here with information of their pets they had to leave behind.
[Holding up copies of the news papers:] This activity has been featured in the local newspapers, here is Mainichi newspaper and Fukushima Min-Yuu.
There are people who are in trouble deep as you [can] see, because they had to leave their pets behind. Their faces look different now even. What I'd like to ask of you to help us, is to make it possible for us pet guardians to be able to visit our pets periodically,
accompanied by the SDF [Self-Defense Force] or policemen, so that we can go to provide them food and water.
Concurrently with that process, I'd like the government [to] do two things: Rescue the animals and keep the rescued animals under protection [shelter].
Those who believe that animals' lives are also precious, please, we are the cohabitants of the planet earth that we share. Please help us. And please support the animal protection groups who have been hard at work.
Hasn't Japan been progressing towards the country which is respectable? Just standing by and watching animals die when we have the chance to save them, how could this country become a nation that the world looks [upon] with respect?
It is hoped that Japan embraces the little lives of our animals too and aspire to become a country that is truly respected. Everybody in Japan, please help us. Please. That is all. Yes.
[Citizen bows head.]
---
The Hachiko Coalition is repeating our previous request and calling for the organized, and immediate evacuation of all uncontaminated domestic animals and livestock inside the exclusion zone.
While this triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, radiation) may be unprecedented that does not mean it is unmanageable. Japan has vast resources and technical know-how, it simply needs to exercise the resolve and solve this problem and demand emergency evacuation funding from TEPCO disaster insurance pools.
The Hachiko Coalition believes the current "starve them out" plan to deal with these animals is unacceptable and reprehensible to the many people witnessing the events as they unfold.
To follow the most recent developments of this ongoing emergency, please visit the website:
http://www.hachiko-coalition.org/
Persons wishing to sign a petition requesting rescue of these animals should see:
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://freepets.jp/&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhnB_xS-B4_9YS6j1_GF1opRmw5Mg
To voice your concerns to the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet, please use this form:
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment_ssl.html
Three new videos discovered by the Hachiko Coalition show the situation in Fukushima is dire -- wide-spread animal starvation.
Three videos recently published on Youtube indicate a wide-spread animal and pet emergency is still taking place inside the Fukushima exclusion zone.
April 22, the government has implemented a “no-go” law punishable by fines or imprisonment [1].
This policy has reportedly blocked access by private Animal Search and Rescue teams — many of which have documented wide-spread starvation of the companion animals, pets, and livestock within the TEPCO exclusion zone.
Concerned citizens held a protest in Tokyo on May 8th, starting in the "Hachiko" Square and ending at TEPCO offices [2].
Photos available on the Angels 2005 Animal Rescue Team "Action Report Blog" show many pets have already starved to death [3].
On May 5th, PETA has issued an action alert which in part states [4]:
"Please urge the Japanese government to take immediate action to transfer farmed animals inside the 20-kilometer no-go zone to facilities where they can be cared for or to euthanize any animals who are suffering."
PETA also provides a form email for readers to send:
"I was shocked to learn that the Japanese government has yet to take action to end the suffering of the estimated hundreds of thousands of farmed animals in the no-go zone around the Fukushima power plant."
---
FIRST VIDEO:
"Individuals entering Fukushima no-go zone to feed and rescue dogs" (not suitable for children):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwPONXhkCps
CONDENSED SUBTITLE TRANSCRIPTION FOLLOWS:
@0:00: The video opens in a parking lot with a skittish dog looking cautiously at the rescuers.
*BEEP*
*BEEP*
*BEEP*
A geiger counter sounds a warning, not just of detected radiation particles, but a warning that the animal rescue team is being over exposed to radiation.
The skittish dog approaches food scattered on the ground and begins eating.
Behind the car, a team member can be seen kneeling down to calm yet another dog on a leash.
A man says: “66.33mSv, then 68…It’s going to exceed 70 [mSv/hour]. Oh, it has exceed 70…it’s already 71.16 mSv/hour. It gets really strong in the 2km zone. But this is still not too bad.”
Speaking of the leashed dog: “We’ll take you with us and hope we’ll find the owner.”
The team takes note of the dog and GPS location in order to find the owner.
Referring back to the skittish dog: “Ok then…See you next time then. You have to stay alive, ok?”
—-
@3:49: The team stops on a street in the middle of town. Piles of dog food can be seen in the street. Barking dogs can be heard inside the empty apartments along the street.
“There are so many dogs barking.” Urging his team to stay calm in the face of twenty or more dogs stranded in houses and potentially starving, the man says: “Everyone, stay strong… We’ll come back again.”
—-
@5:54: The team is back in the car driving through town. Dogs are wandering past on the street. “Let’s throw out lots of food. Everyone [the dogs] are waiting look. Stay strong…You too…Poor dogs…”
Other passenger: “Throw the food out..More and more…”
Woman: “Give a lot of food, we won’t be able to feed them for a while…We don’t know when we can come back again in this situation…Just give everything out.”
The camera pans to the back seat, past the driver who is wearing a white radiation protective suit and googles. There are three dogs sitting in the back seat. “Hey you guys…We are taking you guys with us, ok?”
---
SECOND VIDEO
Fukushima no-go zone to feed and rescue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGc_K1n7j60
The scrolling title indicates this video was taken on April 22, 2011.
VIDEO CONTAINS SUBTITLES
---
THIRD VIDEO
SOS Fukushima Animals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0frBRQ_ndls
In yet a third video entitled "SOS Fukushima animals," a Fukushima prefecture citizen has released a desperate plea of help, worried the animals may be starving and pleading for the government to provide rescue and shelter.
FULL SUBTITLE TRANSCRIPTION FOLLOWS
0:00: The video opens: "[SOS] Fukushima animals"
[The citizen bows to the camera. Reading from prepared notes, the citizen begins:]
Hello to everyone all over Japan. I am Meiko Yoshida, living in Odaku-ku, Minami Soma-shi, Fukushima-ken. My residence is at 17 km of the power plant.
March 11, 2011, the area was hit by the Eastern Japan mega earthquake as well as the tidal wave, followed by a series of accidents at TEPCO. The entire area of Odaka-ku, where we live, is within the 20 km radius. On March 12, the next day of the earthquake, TEPCO issued a voluntary evacuation order to Odaku-ku, which I was not aware of at the time.
The following day, on Sunday, March 13, I went to Odaka Ward Office, where I was told to evacuate immediately. The faces of the personnels then at the office were all devoid of expression like zombies while they worked. They knew what really happened in the power plant, that something horrible [had] happened, that is why their faces became like zombies.
Even though I was told to evacuate immediately, since I had nine cats to take care of at home, I had not been able to evacuate immediately. Several days later, on March 19, the Self-Defense Force members and the Ward Office personnels visited my home to persuade me to evacuate. I was told to leave the pets behind, and I left without them. At the time, I made a mistake of releasing my inside-living cats outdoors. I didn’t have a mobile phone. I regret not having been able to consult with others who were in the same situation as myself.
Even at the evacuation center though, I was worried about my cats at home, so from March 19 until the midnight of April 21, I went back home every other day or two days to feed them food and water. During that period, six out of nine cats I released [had] been found and I have asked animal protection groups to look after them. One of the nine [has] died of a disease, and still now there are two remaining whom I have not been able to protect yet.
In the a.m. of April 21 – it was just so sudden – I heard that the 20 km area would become a severe cautionary zone. Before when I asked around when the off-limit will take effect, no one ever told me, but a bad news like that happened suddenly. Out of excessive worry, at around 23:00 on April 21, I went home but I was unable to provide them for protection. The cautionary zone became effective starting April 22, so I could no longer go back to my house. I had been asking the police officers at the checkpoint how I can get inside, [and they] told me that I need to obtain a permit from the city mayor, so I also went and appealed directly to the city mayor. So I went back and forth between the city’s municipal office and the public health department, and asked to be permitted inside the zone, but it just could not be done.
The other day, on April 28, the public health department went inside the 20 km zone for the purpose of doing research; however this was for inspection only, so they could pick up wandering animals from the road. But no helping hand was extended for the cats and dogs who were left inside homes. When you rescue animals, time allowance is needed to carry out the task, but being told “it starts tomorrow” so suddenly, I was not able to carry out rescue.
At evacuation centers, there are MANY people who were told the same way and could not even prepare for evacuation, nor could they take their pets with them to evacuate. Those people are so worried about their pets living without them, their heartache is so severe that they can’t sleep for nights; they can’t even eat [and] many of them are emaciated. Please help those of us who are worried about our animals and our pets.
Twelve many days have already passed since the off-limit zone order took effect on April 22. Pets also have lives, so I worry at the possibility of them not being protected in time. Please help to remove the disaster victims’ worries and heartache. I felt nothing would become of just being quiet, so I made a picket sign by myself and stood in front of the municipal office and collected this from those in similar circumstances.
[Holding up papers:] I started this on April 30 and it’s been three days since. I collected accounts from fourteen people suffering similar problems, right here with information of their pets they had to leave behind.
[Holding up copies of the news papers:] This activity has been featured in the local newspapers, here is Mainichi newspaper and Fukushima Min-Yuu.
There are people who are in trouble deep as you [can] see, because they had to leave their pets behind. Their faces look different now even. What I'd like to ask of you to help us, is to make it possible for us pet guardians to be able to visit our pets periodically,
accompanied by the SDF [Self-Defense Force] or policemen, so that we can go to provide them food and water.
Concurrently with that process, I'd like the government [to] do two things: Rescue the animals and keep the rescued animals under protection [shelter].
Those who believe that animals' lives are also precious, please, we are the cohabitants of the planet earth that we share. Please help us. And please support the animal protection groups who have been hard at work.
Hasn't Japan been progressing towards the country which is respectable? Just standing by and watching animals die when we have the chance to save them, how could this country become a nation that the world looks [upon] with respect?
It is hoped that Japan embraces the little lives of our animals too and aspire to become a country that is truly respected. Everybody in Japan, please help us. Please. That is all. Yes.
[Citizen bows head.]
---
The Hachiko Coalition is repeating our previous request and calling for the organized, and immediate evacuation of all uncontaminated domestic animals and livestock inside the exclusion zone.
While this triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, radiation) may be unprecedented that does not mean it is unmanageable. Japan has vast resources and technical know-how, it simply needs to exercise the resolve and solve this problem and demand emergency evacuation funding from TEPCO disaster insurance pools.
The Hachiko Coalition believes the current "starve them out" plan to deal with these animals is unacceptable and reprehensible to the many people witnessing the events as they unfold.
To follow the most recent developments of this ongoing emergency, please visit the website:
http://www.hachiko-coalition.org/
Persons wishing to sign a petition requesting rescue of these animals should see:
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://freepets.jp/&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhnB_xS-B4_9YS6j1_GF1opRmw5Mg
To voice your concerns to the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet, please use this form:
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment_ssl.html
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