OSAKA (TR) – Police in Osaka City have arrested a 34-year-old animal seller for illegally conserving harmful wildlife, together with saltwater crocodiles and snapping turtles, at his retailer with out the required authorities permits, reviews the Sankei Shimbun (Sep. 28).
Soma Satomi, who operates the animal store SS Shouten in Higashiyodogawa Ward, was taken into custody on suspicion of violating the Animal Welfare and Management Law.
Acting on a tip-off from one other prefectural police drive, officers raided Satomi’s retailer on September 1. During the search, investigators found two saltwater crocodiles and 23 snapping turtles being saved on the premises with out authorization.
Under Japanese regulation, saltwater crocodiles are designated as “specified animals” because of the excessive hazard they pose to people. Snapping turtles are closely restricted as a “specified alien species.” Keeping both species requires strict permits from nationwide or native authorities, which Satomi had didn’t get hold of.
Upon his arrest, Satomi totally admitted to the allegations. “I kept them knowing it was illegal,” the suspect instructed investigators.
Police at the moment are investigating the suspect’s trafficking routes to find out precisely how he acquired the damaging animals.