Hero for the animals of Fukushima

Leslie Smith Editor in Chief of DogTime.com
Leslie Smith, Editor in Chief
Monday March 12th, 2012
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Matsumura attends to the hundreds of abandoned cows.

A year after a devastating tsunami ravaged parts of Japan, the town of Tomioka is still under mandatory evacuation. It’s just 10 miles from the Fukushima nuclear plant, well inside the “exclusion zone.” But one man, Naoto Matsumura, refuses to leave. And for one reason: to care for the abandoned animals who have no way out.

By all accounts, Tomioka is the apocalypse now: deserted, layered in radioactive dust, buried debris. But the devastation is most evident in Matsumura’s gruesome descriptions of what he’s encountered since — and what he continues to discover. Dogs and cats left to die slowly and agonizingly of starvation. Caged birds with withered feathers. An emaciated cow and her calf, crying weakly in a corner of a barn.

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Matsumura rescued this dog from a trap, but was not able to save his leg.

The heroism — the absolute selflessness — is almost beyond comprehension. Matsumura lives without human companionship of any kind, without electricity or running water. He leaves the area once in a while, only to buy food for his animals, and then sneaks back in. He is the only hope for the hundreds of cows, pigs, dogs, and cats who remain.

The prolonged exposure to such high levels of radiation is almost certainly a death sentence for Matsumura. Tests have revealed his body is “completely contaminated.” But with the government refusing to help, turning away is not an option.

“I’m full of rage,” he said. “That’s why I’m still here. I refuse to leave and let go of this anger and grief.”

For many people who work in animal welfare, success stories are our lifeline. Happy adoptions and news of tougher cruelty laws or random acts of kindness help keep us emotionally afloat. We are often told to focus on the positive — and that’s not bad advice.

But for some of us, acknowledging that rage, holding on to that anger and grief, is a big part of the equation too. It keeps us streamlined and dedicated. It keeps us motivated to continue. It keeps us honest with ourselves.

Naoto Matsumura, I am deeply moved by your sacrifice and bravery. Thank you for your uncompromising compassion, your integrity, and your honesty.

For information about donating to help feed Matsumura’s animals, click here: Guardians of Fukushima's Animals

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Matsumura's only companionship are the animals he cares for.
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    Larry Siegle

    Hard story to read. What effect does the prolonged exposure to such high levels of radiation have on the remaining animals? Wouldn't it be better for a team of vet's to find & euthanize the animals that have no hope of rescue or survival rather than let them slowly starve to death or die by radiation poisoning?

    about 1 year ago by Larry Siegle

    Kristy

    This story brought tears to my eyes; what a wonderful, selfless man. There should be more people like this in the world.

    over 1 year ago by Kristy

    Sheila

    Such compassion. It takes a very special person to do this, God bless him.

    over 1 year ago by Sheila

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