A malicious trader was found to have abused over 400 dogs in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and was charged with violating the Animal Protection Law while the “Ministerial Ordinance on Breeding and Management Standards” has been in effect since June 2021 to improve the breeding environment and to eliminate malicious traders. The local government is also responsible for its failure to instruct and dispose of such traders.

The Asahi Newspaper published the results of a survey conducted last December on all prefectures, government-designated cities, and core cities responsible for animal welfare administration to determine whether the new ministerial ordinance is being properly implemented nationwide.

Results: (100% response)

There are 107 local governments that are responsible for monitoring and providing guidance to breeders and pet handlers.

• On-site inspections will be completed by the end of this fiscal year.

Yes: 35

• On-site inspections will be completed by the end of FY2022.

Yes: 24

We see only about 50% of the on-site inspections were scheduled to be completed. Without the inspections, of course, it is impossible to determine whether animals are being properly handled in accordance with the new ministerial ordinance. It is necessary to elucidate the obstacles to promoting on-site inspections in order to weed out bad traders and bring about a proper breeding environment for animals. 

The World Dog Alliance hopes this new ministerial ordinance of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals will function properly as soon as possible.