Saturday, March 19, 2011

US Military Euthanizes Pets When Owners Evacuate

Families of U.S. military members stationed in Japan have been told they can't take pets with them on government-departure flights, according to an animal rights group and one wife of a military member.

An animal rights group, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said on Friday the concern had been raised to them by several family members of active U.S. military units stationed in Japan.

One of them was Stacey Hunter, whose husband is a computer specialist in the U.S. Army at Camp Zama, about 35 miles southwest of Tokyo, and who is worried about the fate of her three dogs: Harley, Neo and Kohana.

Ms. Hunter said that at several "town hall" meetings sponsored by the military in recent days, dependents of military members were told they were allowed to depart on government flights because of radiation risks but that pets could not come along. She said people at the meeting were told any pets left behind if their military guardian has to ship out would be euthanized.

"A big issue has arisen making many hesitant to leave," Ms. Hunter wrote in an email to the Animal Legal Defense Fund seeking help. "...I want to see if there is anyone willing to help hundreds of pets belonging to U.S. active duty military personnel who are remaining in the country of Japan to assist with relief efforts."

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