In 2011, Fukushima, Japan, experienced a massive earthquake that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Anyone living within the plant’s reach was evacuated. Sadly, most people abandoned their pets. Naoto Matsumura lived in Tomioka, Japan, he owns a farm and like everyone in the area, he too evacuated. However, he has been the only person to return to the radioactive town and he did it to take care for his farm animals and the many pets abandoned to their own fate.

“I had no choice but to stay,” Matsumura told Animal Equality. “I couldn’t leave the animals behind.”

When he first returned, the heroic man realized that many pets were left in cages or trapped inside their homes without food and water, most died of starvation. The lucky free ones roamed the streets looking for a safe place to rest and some food.

Matsumura is an animal lover and he knew he couldn’t just care for his farm animals, he needed to help all abandoned pets from the deserted town. Today, he cares for dogs, cats, cows, horses and ostriches.