Japan’s first permanent disaster-relief animal rescue center plans to open its doors on Jun. 1 (Wed.). The center, located in nature-rich Jizoubaru, Oita (the land is borrowed from Kyushu Electric Power), is working to open over half a year earlier than they originally planned in order to accept the cats and dogs of families affected by the Kumamoto Earthquakes. Animals given to the center will be taken care of for up to three months at no cost, but after that their owners need to collect them. According to the Kumamoto Veterinary Medical Association, there are around 500 people who have evacuated with their pets and live in cars within the prefecture; about 100 of these wish to have their pets taken in. At the moment, the center can only accept 50 pets, but they hope to be able to take 100 in future. The site will hold shelters for the cats and dogs, a lawn/field which will be used for dogs to run around, a kitchen and an office. There will also be a vet on site at all times. In future, the center will also be used to train sniffer dogs, guide dogs and rescue dogs. Enquiries: Kumamoto Veterinary Medical Association (096-365-5711). Source: Mainichi Shimbun, 5/20
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