Chizue Lister is returning to the evacuation zone surrounding Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant next week to aid abandoned pets – and this time, the mission will be even more risky.
Japanese authorities have restricted entry to the 20-kilometre area, threatening to arrest and fine anyone caught within.
The measure was imposed just days after Lister returned home to White Rock from a 10-day trip to the zone last month, when she joined other volunteers in feeding and rescuing animals left behind by owners who were evacuated due to radiation.
With officers now patrolling the area, Lister said she will have to sneak in.
She has been in contact with the Japanese friend who joined her last month, and who continued to volunteer in the evacuation zone after Lister left. Although Tomoko Ai has stopped going there due to the police presence, she has informed Lister of a side road that can be used to enter the area now that the main road has been barricaded by authorities.
Lister has also learned that the best time to sneak in undetected is between 4 and 7 a.m., when patrols seem to temporarily stop.
She will be joined by her brother, Daijirou Niino, who Lister said was caught in the zone by police a couple days ago. He was released with a warning, but officers said a second incident would lead to arrest.
In speaking with him afterwards, Lister learned her brother managed to rescue five dogs and a cat before being caught.
“So I said ‘you did a good job,’” she recalled of their phone conversation.
Lister said she plans to focus her attention on transporting animals outside the zone. While she will also bring food, she is only going to take the time to feed animals that evade capture.
“This time, I’m going to catch as much as possible because now we know people can’t go back to that area anymore.”
Because the Tokyo shelters she sent rescued pets to last time are now full, Lister is scrambling to find facilities still accepting animals.
If unable to locate one, she said she will take the pets to her hometown of Niigata – a 3½-hour drive away – and appeal to residents to care for them while she finds owners.
She plans to document her efforts on Facebook, and invited those interested to find her on the site.
Lister said this two-week trip is being made possible by supporters who read of her quest in Peace Arch News. People have dropped off donations at her restaurant – Yucca Tree Café – which have now amounted to $8,760 (one donor alone contributed $8,000).
The money is being used for Lister’s flight, car rental and gas. She also plans to donate to shelters willing to take in the rescued pets.
Lister said donations of leashes, collars, dishes and painters coveralls – which she will wear to protect from radiation – are still welcome, and can be dropped off at the restaurant (1347 Johnston Rd.) before she leaves on Monday.
Lister also encouraged the public to demand action from the Japanese government.
“If people could email the Japanese prime minister about saving the animals, that would be great,” she said. “(The government) won’t do anything. It’s been two months. The (animals) are still there and they’re waiting for help and they’re waiting for their owners to come back, but the government has stopped them from going there.”