Some additional updates about pet rescue in the wake of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. Among the greatest challenges right now is keeping pets and owners together, as many shelters don’t allow pets.
- The video above appears to be taken within 48 hours of the disaster—the last few seconds require no translation at all.
- From the Animals in Disasters blog: “The Disaster Assessment Needs Analysis (DANA) estimates that between 16,000 and 19,000 pets are affected in two of the worst hit regions alone.”
- From yesterday’s Wall Street Journal: “I understand that saving people is the first priority, but we should not forget animals do provide mental support,” Ms. Gallaon-Aoki. “Some people lost everything, from their families to their house, and are left with nothing but their pets.”
- From AFP, a story that I think typifies how many of us feel about our pets: “I can’t imagine not being here together. If anybody said to me I couldn’t keep Momo here, we would leave with her, we would go somewhere else.” Video available here.
How to help: In addition to the sources I mentioned previously, Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support—a coalition of three groups: HEART-Tokushima, Animal Garden Niigata, and Japan Cat Network—is accepting online donations via ChipIn!
(Thanks to reader Vicky Smith for all the links!)