The quiet city of Fukuyama, in Japan, is on alert after the first signs of an unexpected visitor were discovered at the local electroplating factory. The protagonist of this unusual story? A cat with “anomalies” that has generated concern throughout the community.
It all began with the appearance of mysterious footprints, of an ocher tone and with a variable number of fingers, in the surroundings of the Nomura Plating Corporation factory. A review of security cameras confirmed the presence of the intruder, prompting authorities to issue an urgent public alert.
Fukuyama residents were warned about this potentially dangerous feline, which apparently fell into a tank of toxic chemicals at the factory and managed to escape, heading into the city. The authorities have taken preventive measures, contacting various institutions such as the Municipal Council, the school board and daycare centers to inform them about the risk posed by this animal.
According to Motonari Ibaraki, a representative of Nomura Plating, the footprints were discovered near the tank by an employee on Monday morning, while security footage shows the cat fleeing the factory around 9:30 last night.
The tank in question contains hexavalent chromium, a highly toxic substance used in the electroplating process. The effects of exposure to this chemical are serious and include everything from lung cancer to damage to organs such as kidneys and liver, as well as irritations to the skin, nose and eyes.
Given the possibility of encountering this cat on the streetsSatoshi Taki, Fukuyama City Environmental Conservation Division, warns citizens not to try to approach the animal and to immediately contact the authorities if they see it.
Although the feline has not been sighted again so far, it is suspected that its experience at the factory could have been fatal. The Nomura Plating company has announced that it will implement measures to prevent future animal intrusions into its facilities, in the hope of avoiding similar incidents in the future.
Fountain: The New York Times
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