An estimated 5,000 - 10,000 cats, dogs and farm animals were left behind in the 20 -km Fukushima exclusion area on April 22 when the Japanese Government closed off the area.
Those animals have been without a regular source of food and fears are mounting for their well-being.
Animal rescue organizations such as JEARS would like the government to allow them access to the area so the animals do not starve to death. The situation is not hopeless. A plan was presented to the Japanese government by IFAW on how to save the animals that were exposed radiation and it is imperative that officials review this plan. It was developed by experts in the field.
The Japanese citizens who were forced to leave their homes and abandon their pets are heartbroken over this situation.
Please help us save the lives of these innocent cats, dogs and farm animals by persuading the Japanese government to allow the international animal welfare community to enter the area and feed the animals.
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
We the undersigned urgently ask that you open the 20-km exclusion zone surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant and allow international animal rescue organizations to enter so they may give food and care to the estimated 5,000 - 10,000 animals trapped inside.
The cats and dogs left behind after their owners were forced to evacuate the area are beloved pets and they are dying of starvation and dehydration when it is not necessary.
These animals are innocent victims. Their loss will be an additional hardship to their human guardians.
The animal welfare organization IFAW has submitted a plan to safely relocate the animals, even the ones exposed to radiation and we ask that you review this plan as it was developed by an esteemed committee.
We also understand that your citizens have shown their concern for the animals through protests in Tokyo and we ask that you listen to their pleas to save their pets and open the No-Go Zone.
Please do not fail these animals.
Thank you for taking time to read this letter and consideration of this most critical issue.
