Following Japan’s 2011 disaster, abandoned pets showed reduced attachment and trainability; rescued dogs from Fukushima exhibited 5–10 times higher stress hormone levels | World News

The Lasting Impact of Disasters on Animals: A Study of Fukushima Dogs

Following the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster in Fukushima, many pets were left behind, leading to significant psychological and physiological impacts on the animals that were later rescued. A study published in Scientific Reports in 2012 focused on 17 dogs rescued from Fukushima, comparing them with an equal number of abandoned dogs from Kanagawa, an area unaffected by the disaster.

Key Findings

1. Behavioral Differences:

   • The Fukushima dogs exhibited lower trainability and attachment to humans compared to the Kanagawa dogs, which indicates the lasting effects of abandonment and trauma.
   • The dogs were assessed using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), looking at traits like aggression, anxiety, and attachment.

2. Elevated Stress Hormones:

   • Urine cortisol levels in the Fukushima dogs were five to ten times higher than those in the Kanagawa group, a clear indicator of chronic stress.
   • Cortisol levels remained elevated for up to 10 weeks following their rescue, suggesting that the stress from the disaster was not immediately resolved even after securing safety.

3. Aggression and Attachment:

   • Interestingly, the Fukushima dogs had lower aggression toward unfamiliar people compared to the Kanagawa dogs during their initial month post-rescue.
   • However, their attachment scores to caretakers remained significantly lower even three months after their arrival at the rehabilitation facility.

Rescue Operations

The rescue of these animals was complex and prolonged:

• Over a separate investigation involving 529 dogs from Fukushima shelters, researchers found that inadequate shelter conditions and lack of trained staff contributed to their suffering.
• Many dogs developed health issues like diarrhea, and a notable percentage were eventually reclaimed by their original owners.

Conclusion

The findings from the studies highlight the profound and lasting effects of disasters on animals. The Fukushima dogs serve as a poignant reminder that the consequences of such crises extend beyond human populations, affecting the lives and well-being of animals in significant ways. Long-term support and compassion are essential in helping these animals recover from their traumatic experiences.