Thanks for Alma C who passed on the following news update: The latest article from the Japan Times states that the area in Fukushima's 20-30 km zone is opening up.  The Hachiko Coalition has received reports that animal rescue groups are laying food at the perimeter so the animals can be rescued.  However, first person accounts report that there are still lots of road blocks.  People can only return to their former home areas for a couple of hours, and are not allowed to take out any animals.  We will follow more developments. 

Charles Harmison and Yoshiko his partner have rescued many, many cats, a couple of dogs and some roosters on their solo mission and brought to safe shelters.  Isabella Gallaon Aoki of Animal Friends Niigata has been an angel to many animals and has safely sheltered them. The Hoshi Family continues to feed many animals and is working to build a shelter.  

Various groups such as Nippon SPCA, UKC Japan, SALA and RJAV are continuing their rescue efforts, as well as small shelters and individuals who are acting on their own.  It's magnificent to see how many kind and altruistic people and groups have been helping these left behind animals  

Fittingly, tomorrow the 4th of October, is the Catholic celebration of St. Francis D'Assisi, patron saint of the animals.  It appears he is looking out for our animal friends in Japan.