(JP) Where are our animal lovers' ethics?

October 18, 2005

http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-7003-storytopic-17.html

THE RYUKYU SHIMPO

2005.09.29

Where are our animal lovers' ethics?

The OPG Health and Welfare Department has disclosed

the number of stray dogs caught by or taken to each of

its health centers in 2004. The total dropped from

9,056 in 2003 to 8,428 last year. That reduced figure

still makes Okinawans the second least caring animal

lovers in Japan. Per 10,000 of our human population,

the ratio of unwanted dogs to people was 437 in 2004.

The data on immunization against rabies shows that

Okinawa is 45th out of the 47 prefectures of Japan.

" Love for Animals Week " started on September 20, but

that campaign still has to make deep inroads in

Okinawa to improve the poor record here.

In 2004 the Health Centers caught 5,807 stray dogs

while those handed over by owners numbered 2,621. The

figures for captured dogs make this prefecture the

worst nationwide after Tokushima in Shikoku.

The capture and handover of stray dogs in Okinawa

peaked in 1996 at 18,400. Since then the number has

dropped steadily each year.

An OPG official said it is presumed the continuing

reduction in the number of unwanted or stray dogs may

represent a shift towards cats as the pets of choice.

Cats may be easier to look after, a preference that is

leading to a decline in the local dog population, he

speculated.

Last year the number of dogs destroyed was 7,956, a

figure that places Okinawa fourth nationwide for the

number of dogs put down.

A brighter spot in the picture is Okinawa's standing

in terms of reclaimed and re-housed dogs. The

prefecture ranks fifth.

Overall, however, the OPG thinks our moral sense as

animal keepers is improving, although far too many

people still acquire dogs without due consid-eration

and then abandon them without conscience.

An animal protection NPO stated that we should do more

to teach children of the value of life.

The Animal Rights Protection Center in Ozato is being

remodeled, and on reopening will start courses on pet

keeping and training, as well as an animal

consultation service.

(Sep 20 pm ed)

(9/29 16:49)

reserved.

October 18, 2005

Thank you so very much for posting this information. I will forward to everyone

on the list, is this also in Japanese? It would be nice to actually hand out to

the Okinawan Community. OAARS is working very hard to make people aware of

OZATO and the number of animals gassed there daily. Members send many of the

strays of Okinawa to the States to be adopted. It seems like not even the Shiba

breed is safe from neglect, abuse and abandonment.

Do you reside on Okinawa? If you get a chance do check out OAARS' website, it

will give you an idea of the work we have done in the past year and the goals we

are trying to achieve. We are assisting local shelters, Cherubims is one, Sweet

Home and individuals that are trying to make a difference. Unfortunately, we

only rely on donations from some very caring members. We'd like to have the

Govt. take a more active part in animal welfare. I hope the facility at OZATO

just doesn't stop at making it look nicer for the guests, but instead makes the

animals a priority. At this time, all the animals are kept together in two big

rooms, they are walked down " the green mile " and put in the gas chamber, they

are then put in the incinerator, and according to witnesses some are still half

alive.

Please, if you get more information forward to OAARS.

Best regards,

Liz

OAARS

Masako Miyaji <masako_m_2000 wrote: