Update on PETA Asia-Pacific’s Rescue Work in Japan

Posted by on March 16, 2011 | Permalink

PETA Asia-Pacific senior campaigner Ashley Fruno has been in Japan with Isabella Gallaon-Aoki of Animal Friends Niigata since taking the first flight to Tokyo after the airport opened Saturday night. PETA Asia-Pacific is the first international animal rights group on the ground in affected areas.

While it is apparent that most animals were swept away with their humans in the worst-affected areas, Ashley and Isabella are ready to provide food, water and care to animals abandoned when their guardians fled to evacuation centres.

They’ve provided sustenance to animals whose guardians are having a hard time finding food because there are lines hundreds of people long to get into stores, and they’ve encountered citizens who have stayed in their shaky homes for days because many evacuation centres were not allowing companion animals inside. “The damage left for survivors to deal with is absolutely horrific”, Ashley relayed. “These dogs and cats need rescue for the sake of the anguished people who were forced to choose between seeking refuge in evacuation centres and taking their beloved animal companions with them.”

Despite long waits at petrol stations, Ashley and Isabella continue to visit the worst-affected areas in search of animals who need help, and her team remains in touch with the volunteer relief centre, city office and prefecture office, which plans to set up a temporary shelter for animals in the north of the city. She is also talking to reporters and asking them to call her with information about animals in need.

You can help fund Ashley’s work and other rescue work by making an urgent donation to support PETA Asia-Pacific’s critical work for animals who are suffering right now.