(JA)Paradise lost: Cats abused on island

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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.