EXCLUSIVE: Fukushima to Build More Pet Shelters

Fukushima, June 14 (Jiji Press)--The Fukushima prefectural government plans to build more shelters for pets taken from the nuclear no-entry zone because the existing facility is almost packed, informed sources told Jiji Press Tuesday.
In late April, the prefectural government started rescuing pets stranded in the 20-kilometer zone around the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant after their owners evacuated.
As of Sunday, the existing shelter had 149 dogs and 50 cats taken care of by workers commissioned by the prefectural government, volunteers and animal doctors.
The figures surged after a program started last month to let evacuees make brief home visits in the no-entry zone. Many of those who have found out that their pets were alive asked the shelter to take care of them.
Such owners continue to face difficulty picking up their pets and taking them to evacuation centers, where many people are squeezed in limited space.
The prefectural government plans to lease a plot of private land outside the no-entry zone to build a new shelter for moving some of the pets by early next month, according to the sources.
There is also a plan to build another facility for pets on a piece of prefectural land in the city of Tamura.
"It is urgently needed to secure space where pets can run around," a prefectural official said.
In addition, the prefectural government on Sunday launched a program to look for foster families for pets whose owners are unknown. Such pets account for 30-40 pct of the total.
An Environment Ministry official said that possible support measures include sending animal doctors in neighboring prefectures to Fukushima and providing state subsidies to pay for vaccinations.
Jun Kawamata, an animal doctor in Fukushima Prefecture, said, "We want the central and prefectural governments to pay attention not only to rescue activities but also to care of the rescued pets."