American Humane Association President Reports on State of Animals of Fukushima
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2012 - One year ago, on March 11, 2011, the world watched in horror as one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded hit off the coast of Japan,
causing devastating tsunamis and triggering a meltdown at the nuclear
power plant in Fukushima. The result of the disaster was catastrophic
with more than 15,000 deaths, billions of dollars in damage, and
hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes. In addition
to the human tragedy, uncounted numbers of animals were swept away,
killed or lost their homes. Thousands more were abandoned or tied up in
backyards — left by owners who thought they would be returning soon.
One year later, much has been done, but thousands of animals are
still without homes, and others continue to roam amid the rubble,
reports American Humane Association President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert, who recently returned from a humanitarian mission to help animals in the affected areas.
"Following the 3/11 earthquake American Humane Association and our
Red Star™ Animal Emergency Services immediately mobilized, sending
desperately needed supplies and support to local Japanese relief
agencies," said Dr. Ganzert. "Great strides have been made since to help
the victims of the disaster, but far too many are still without homes
and without hope, and we must continue to help."
Dr. Ganzert traveled to Japan last
month to conduct site visits, assess the ongoing need, and set up a
schedule of major financial support to help the many animals still in
need. She has documented some of her observations in a journal, "The Animals of Fukushima: One Year Later."
During her visits to the devastated region it was shockingly clear
that the relief work is far from over. Some animals were left at
shelters when their owners evacuated, but because of the astounding
number of people involved, the shelters were overwhelmed. Even a year
later, most people in the area haven't been able to return to their
homes. Animals stare out of small cages with sad eyes, hoping to be
adopted or reclaimed. Homeless dogs and cats roam their old
neighborhoods scrounging for scraps and curling up for warmth to brave
the cold nights — wondering if their owners will ever return.
"One year after the devastating earthquake, tsunami, fire, and
nuclear disaster, the air of uncertainty lingers, tinged with despair
and anger," Ganzert writes. "The resiliency of the Japanese people has
never been called into question, and their ability to coalesce and
persevere is ever-present in the remarkable recovery efforts witnessed
to date. But as the rest of the world moves on to other news and
America focuses on political and economic matters, the people and
animals of Japan have been forgotten –
many families still homeless, many children without their four-legged
family members, and all with ongoing questions about their future."
In addition to the continuing financial and material support provided
by American Humane Association, the 135-year-old charity met with key
Japanese relief groups to share the organization's century of experience
in disaster relief, offering help and information assembled by its Red Star rescue teams to help Japan's
communities better prepare for and protect children and animals against
future disasters. Since 1916, American Humane Association has operated
the internationally renowned Red Star
program, which has been involved in major domestic and international
relief efforts starting with the rescue of horses during World War I and
continuing on to Hurricane Katrina, the Haitian earthquake, and 9/11.
"When the disasters occurred in Japan,
we responded quickly and we continue to help," said Dr. Ganzert. "Much
good has been accomplished, but a year later there are still thousands
of animals in desperate need. The headlines may have faded away, but the
crisis has not. There is still much work to be done and we need
good-hearted people everywhere to help until all the animals are safe,
secure and reunited with those they love."
About American Humane Association
Since 1877 American Humane Association has been at the forefront of
virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets and farm
animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today they are also leading the
way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy,
medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of
people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training
and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and
businesses. You can help make a difference, too, for millions of
children and animals in need.
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