Thinking about Animal Cruelty: The Lives We Can Protect, the Future We Can Build

Animal Cruelty: Definition and Background

Animal cruelty is a general term for any act of inappropriate treatment or causing pain to animals. It is a societal problem, and it is important that we all understand its reality and take action to solve it.

Animal abuse includes not only physical violence and psychological stress, but also neglect and abandonment. Many animals are treated inappropriately both around the world and in Japan. Behind this lies the ignorance and irresponsibility of pet owners, as well as ethical issues within the pet industry.

For example, in Japan, animal protection is being promoted based on the Animal Welfare and Management Law, but the number of reported cases of abuse is increasing year by year. In one case, an owner left a dog chained up and did not provide it with proper food or water, leading to the dog's death. This is a clear example of neglect, and is a problem that society as a whole must prevent.

Animal cruelty is not just an individual issue, it is a societal issue that we all need to be aware of and take action on.

Types and characteristics of animal cruelty

There are several types of animal cruelty, each with its own characteristics. By knowing these, it will be possible to detect abuse early and respond appropriately.

Physical abuse is the direct infliction of violence or injury, while psychological abuse is the infliction of fear or stress. Neglect and abandonment are also considered problems as they threaten the health and life of animals by leaving them unattended. Furthermore, there is also abuse by unscrupulous animal handlers, including overcrowding and inappropriate breeding management.

For example, you may have seen many dogs and cats crammed into small cages at a pet store. This is also a form of abuse, and it puts animals in a very stressful situation. Psychological abuse also includes owners constantly yelling at their animals.

By correctly understanding the types of abuse, you will be able to avoid overlooking abnormalities and take appropriate measures.

Animal cruelty laws and penalties

In order to prevent animal cruelty, it is essential to have laws in place and understand them. In particular, Japan's Animal Welfare and Management Act has undergone major revisions in recent years, and severe penalties have been established for acts of cruelty.

The Animal Welfare and Management Law requires that animal owners provide an appropriate environment for keeping animals, and penalties are imposed for any violations. This is expected to have a deterrent effect on animal cruelty. However, compared to Western countries, it is said that there is still room for improvement in Japan's laws.

A 2020 law change strengthened penalties for animal abuse. For example, severe abuse can be punished with up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 5 million yen. Meanwhile, in Germany, "animal rights" are clearly stated in the constitution, providing stronger legal protection.

The law is an important tool for protecting animals and we need to know what it is and use it.

What you can do to prevent animal cruelty

To prevent animal cruelty, it is important for individuals to take concrete action.

If you witness animal abuse, the first step is to immediately report it to your local government or an animal protection organization. It is also effective to support resources for preventing animal abuse by donating to animal protection organizations or volunteering. In addition, it is important to maintain morals and manners as a pet owner and provide a safe and comfortable environment for animals.

The Animal Rights Center, an animal protection organization, protects abused animals and searches for new homes for them. Donations and materials that support their activities will help save the lives of abused animals.

In order to prevent abuse, individual action plays a major role. Let's think about what each of us can do and put it into practice.

Working towards a cruelty-free future

Education and awareness-raising are essential to building a future free of animal cruelty.

By spreading awareness of the importance of animal welfare, it is possible to prevent animal cruelty before it occurs. Furthermore, by having governments and businesses proactively address animal welfare, the foundation for protecting animals in society as a whole can be strengthened.

For example, in Australia, there are opportunities to learn about animal welfare in school education. In Japan, too, there is a growing trend for companies to provide products and services that consider animal welfare. Choosing these products on a daily basis also helps support animal welfare as a consumer.

Education, policy and personal action are key to creating a cruelty-free future for animals. Your step can make a difference.

What can be done specifically?

• Share educational information on social media: By spreading information about animal welfare, you can share awareness of the issue with many people.

• Donate and volunteer: Give money and time to animal protection organizations to help prevent cruelty

• Be a wise consumer: By choosing cruelty-free and animal welfare-conscious products, you can support ethical behavior from companies.

The key to creating a future without animal cruelty is to take small actions yourself. These actions will have a ripple effect on the people around you and society as a whole, and will become the force that will bring about a better future.

lastly

In order to prevent animal cruelty, it is essential that each and every one of us be aware of the issue and take action. Starting with small things we can do in our daily lives can bring about big changes. We sincerely hope that after reading this article, you will take a step to protect animals.

Reference sites

Japan Animal Protection Center (General Incorporated Association) : Provides information and grant support with the aim of promoting understanding and awareness of animal protection.

Eva, a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Animal Environment and Welfare : Provides detailed information on how to report animal abuse and important points to note.


Animal Rights Center : Provides information on animal welfare evaluations and animal protection indices for farmed animals in Japan.


NPO Animal Lawyers Group : Works with lawyers and veterinarians to expose animal abuse and take appropriate action to investigate and dispose of cases.


Certified NPO Kidox : Based mainly in Ibaraki Prefecture, they operate shelters for rescued dogs and find foster homes for them.