Abstract

This chapter “Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake and Animal Rescue” reviews the policy of the Niigata prefectural government toward animals in the wake of the Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake that struck the coastal region of the Sea of Japan in October 2004. The local government deployed the Niigata Prefecture Disaster Relief Air Service not only for people but also for animals, and rescued companion animals as well as bulls and Japanese carp (nishiki-goi) by helicopter. Niigata prefecture also became the first government in Japan to establish a new regulation that allowed companion animals to live in evacuation shelters with their owners.