OSAKA, May 01 (News On Japan) –
A resident was referred to prosecutors on April 30 for persevering with to feed pigeons and crows regardless of an official cease order from Osaka City, marking what authorities say is the primary felony case of its sort in Japan.
The incident occurred close to JR Abikocho Station in Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Ward, the place native residents have lengthy complained about issues brought on by giant numbers of birds.
Nearby residents described ongoing injury, saying laundry was regularly dirty and chicken droppings have been typically discovered on bicycle seats, with some recalling being hit immediately from above.
Flocks of pigeons have been seen taking off in giant numbers, whereas noise and droppings from each pigeons and crows have brought about persistent disruption within the space.
The root of the issue is believed to be residents feeding the birds, a difficulty that has continued for greater than a decade involving a number of people. In response, the town beforehand tried countermeasures corresponding to releasing hawks—pure predators of pigeons and crows—however these efforts had restricted impact.
In 2024, Osaka City issued a uncommon administrative order instructing these accountable to cease feeding the birds, and later filed a felony criticism with police.
About a yr and a half after the criticism, police referred one resident to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Animal Welfare Act. The particular person has reportedly admitted to the allegations throughout voluntary questioning.
This marks the primary time in Japan that feeding pigeons has led to a case underneath the Animal Welfare Act, and if prosecuted and located responsible, the person may face a nice of as much as 500,000 yen.
City officers say there are limits to what municipalities can do, as no legislation immediately prohibits feeding birds.
A senior official at Osaka City’s Health Bureau stated that complaints based mostly purely on emotion will not be accepted by police, emphasizing the necessity to construct goal proof step-by-step with a purpose to take motion.
When the location was visited on May 1, the big flocks of pigeons seen beforehand weren’t current, probably as a consequence of climate situations.
However, the town described the case as simply the “tip of the iceberg,” noting that feeding by residents has continued even just lately, and a spotlight is now targeted on whether or not authorized measures can successfully defend the dwelling setting of native communities.
Source: YOMIURI