First and foremost, our condolences go out to everyone affected by the recent devastations to hit Japan. Our prayers are with you.  

Unclaimed pets to be gassed in 72 hours in Japan:

A sad reality: Japanese animal holding centers in and around the disaster areas have announced in this bulletin that all pets who are not claimed within 72 hours will be 'disposed' of (gassed). This is the sad reality in Japan unfortunately and why we, private organizations for animal rescues,as well as the general public, are truly racing against the clock now. 

It is a known fact that most animals flee to higher grounds right before an Earthquake or  Tsunami hit. And yet we are forced to leave them behind instead of learning from them or following their lead during these devastating times. Just imagine how many dogs can save a human who is drowning or knocked out. Or shown the way to higher or safer ground, since animals do have keener senses than us humans do.  I'm sure more human lives would be saved. As well as not separated from their owners only to be put-down later on, after already surviving such catastrophes.

After Hurricane Katrina in the US, some places changed their policy from 72 hours to 90 days.