In order to deal with the problem called "multi-headed breeding collapse" where the number of pets increases too much and proper breeding becomes impossible, the Ministry of the Environment has compiled a draft guideline when local governments take measures, cooperates with the community, and selects high-risk owners. I want to find it early.
The problem of unplanned breeding of dogs and cats, causing trouble with the surroundings due to foul odors and noise, and causing animal cruelty is called "multi-headed breeding collapse", and according to a survey by the Ministry of the Environment, all prefectures and government ordinances nationwide In 2018, more than 2000 complaints about multi-headed breeding were received in the designated cities and core cities.
In response to this, the Ministry of the Environment presented a draft guideline for measures for local governments and related organizations at an expert meeting held on the 3rd.
Among them, it is important to detect and respond to problems before the situation becomes serious, and in order to prevent the occurrence, cooperate with neighboring residents and local welfare officers and utilize check sheets. We want to find high-risk owners early and provide advice and guidance.
If a problem is found, it is necessary to consult with the owner and proceed with sterilization or transfer of the pet, and if necessary, connect the owner to social welfare life support, and after solving it. However, we are requesting efforts to prevent recurrence, such as continuing to watch over the area to see if they are properly bred.
The Ministry of the Environment hopes to complete the guidelines by the end of this month and make them known to local governments and related organizations.
"Early action is important" Animal protection group
Animal welfare groups that are responding to the problem of "multi-headed breeding collapse" also point out the importance of dealing with it early before the situation becomes serious.
The Hyogo Prefectural Public Interest Incorporated Foundation "Animal Fund" receives requests from local governments nationwide and is engaged in activities such as protecting pets that were owned by owners who have fallen into "multi-headed breeding collapse".
Last November, we worked with a local animal welfare organization in Shimane Prefecture to protect 164 dogs kept in homes.
About 30 years ago, the owner picked up abandoned dogs and started breeding them, but he said that the number of dogs increased steadily due to repeated breeding and that the cost of sterilization could not be covered.
Last July, we protected about 40 cats in Hokkaido.
The owner said he started keeping two cats about 10 years ago, but he didn't perform sterilization and the number increased before he could find a place to pick up the kittens he was born with.
In addition to the protected cats, nine dead kittens were found on the scene.
Kunihisa Sagami, president of the Animal Fund, said, "Dog and cats have high fertility, and it is most important to take early measures such as sterilization while the number is small." However, there are many cases that are behind the problem, and while the economic situation deteriorates due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, there is a risk that the number of "multi-headed breeding collapses" will increase. It is necessary to watch over the area. "