Guest guest Posted March 14, 2001 Report Share Posted March 14, 2001 http://www.asahi.com/english/asahi/0313/asahi031311.html Paradise lost: Cats abused on island Asahi Shimbun March 13, 2001 FUJISAWA, Kanagawa Prefecture-Life on a scenic island not far from Tokyo might sound like paradise for a cat. Instead, life is growing increasingly grim for the many cats abandoned on Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture. In addition to the expected hardships-such as lack of safe shelter-these cats are being shot with pellet guns by animal abusers. In response, Fujisawa police warn that anyone caught injuring or killing the animals will be prosecuted under the animal protection law. Residents say motorists began dumping cats on the island about 10 years ago. A bridge links the island to the mainland, about 500 meters away. The cat problem has become so bad during the past five or six years that residents have resorted to having the strays spayed. Tourists have made donations. The cats apparently are here to stay. They never cross the bridge back to the mainland, but wait for food handouts from visitors. Toshiko Matsumoto, 55, of nearby Kamakura, and other volunteers involved in animal protection set up a donation box near the Enoshima Shrine. Money collected since the box was placed there on Nov. 20, 1999, has enabled volunteers to have 165 cats spayed, Matsumoto said. However, islanders are reeling at recent events. On Feb. 10, a cat was found shot with a pellet gun. An X-ray taken by a local veterinarian showed that a spherical pellet with a diameter of 6 millimeters was lodged near the top of its right front leg. The following day, another cat was spotted dragging its leg. A similar metal pellet was found in its neck. Then on Feb. 26, a cat was found on a street, unable to move its hind legs. A veterinarian found a metal pellet imbedded near its spine and injuries to both its hips. Despite surgery, the cat died March 1. ``Cruelty to animals is a reflection of the sickness in a society that easily abandons its pets,'' Matsumoto said. ``Enoshima may become a symbol of this sickness if things continue.'' Under the animal protection law, which was revised in December 1999 to include harsher penalties for animal abusers, culprits face a maximum imprisonment of one year or a fine of 1 million yen. The law also stipulates a fine of up to 300,000 yen for anyone who abandons an animal. As a reminder, Fujisawa police plan to put up signs warning the public against both abuse and abandonment. Copyright 2001 Asahi Shimbun. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.