OKINAWA, Mar 05 (News On Japan) –
An organizer of the “Itoman Hare”, an annual dragon boat racing carnival in Okinawa, has been charged on suspicion of violating the Animal Welfare Act.
As a part of the festivities, a duck is launched into the ocean after which chased by a gaggle of swimmers earlier than being captured, sparking allegations of animal abuse.
In July final 12 months, an NPO based mostly in Tokyo held a press convention concerning this duck-catching race.
Chihiro Okada, Representative Director of the Animal Rights Center, mentioned, “The duck may suffer from fractures, suffocation, or weakening.” The NPO filed a grievance towards the occasion’s chairman and three contributors.
Harē is a ritual praying for a bountiful catch and protected voyages. The boat race and duck-catching are believed to have originated from China no less than 450 years in the past throughout the Ryukyu Kingdom period. Should this be maintained as a practice? Or ought to it’s modified to suit the occasions? Opinions are divided in Okinawa Prefecture.
Last 12 months, the Umaiori ritual in Mie Prefecture additionally confronted criticism for being animal cruelty. How ought to traditions involving animals be dealt with? We requested the Ministry of the Environment, which oversees the Animal Welfare Act.
The official acknowledged that if it’s a custom rooted locally, utilizing animals will be justified. However, whether it is socially unacceptable, there’s a chance of being charged with animal cruelty.
Source: ANN