A RETIRED vet from near York is about to fly out Japan to help animals left in a desperate condition after the earthquake and tsunami.

Stuart Easby, who founded Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic in Stamford Bridge, is planning to spend a week working with animals badly affected by the disasters.

He said these included farm animals such as cattle which had lost their pasture, pets which had lost their owners and wildlife which had been injured.

His initial aim would be to conduct a fact-finding mission to discover what help was needed, but he would be taking his emergency veterinary kit with him to provide treatment to creatures in immediate need.

He said that, quite rightly, the main focus in Japan had been on relieving human suffering after the quake and tidal wave.

However, as people in rural areas tried to rebuild their lives, their farm animals’ health could be vitally important and veterinary help could be essential.

Mr Easby, who lives near Stamford Bridge, will travel out to Japan with staff from Norfolk-based Wet Nose Animal Aid.

He said he planned to go to communities affected by the tsunami but avoid the area affected by radiation leaking from the damaged nuclear power station at Fukushima.

This is just the latest in a series of international mercy missions by Mr Easby, who spent ten weeks out in Pakistan last year helping farmers keep their livestock alive in the wake of devastating floods.

The father of four, who runs an advice line called One Call Advice Direct Vet, has also made trips to the Middle East in the past to work with a charity aiming to improve the plight of injured donkeys in Israel and Palestine.