Riku Hotta, a 25-year-old office worker from Otsu City, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly killing a rabbit on the famous tourist island of Okunoshima, Japan. Witnesses included Takayuki Nakamura, a seasoned photographer who has dedicated 25 years to documenting the island's rabbit population. Authorities charged Hotta with violating the Animal Welfare Act after he reportedly kicked the rabbit. Investigators suspect Hotta's involvement in the deaths of 77 more rabbits over the past two months.
The incident took place on Okunoshima, an island renowned for its large population of rabbits, attracting tourists from around the globe. Nakamura and his wife, Maroya, have spent decades capturing the lives of these rabbits, sharing their findings on a popular blog. This specific incident was also detailed on their platform, highlighting how the rabbits often react to acts of aggression.
Nakamura, who was present at the scene, witnessed Hotta's actions firsthand. His documentation provided crucial evidence for law enforcement. The photographer reported mysterious mass deaths among the rabbits since November last year, sparking concerns among animal welfare advocates.
"Since November of last year, there have been mysterious mass deaths among the rabbits of Okunoshima," – Takayuki Nakamura
Given these circumstances and the observed behavior, Nakamura speculated that human interference might be to blame for the ongoing fatalities.
"There was a possibility that it was an infectious disease, but considering the circumstances, we thought it was probably caused by a person." – Takayuki Nakamura
The couple's blog post detailed their observations of how the island's rabbits respond to what they termed 'bullying.' The entry has drawn significant attention, adding pressure on authorities to further investigate potential threats to the rabbit community.
Hotta's arrest underscores the severity of his actions under Japan's Animal Welfare Act. The law aims to protect animals from abuse and ensure their humane treatment. Violations can result in substantial penalties, reinforcing the country's commitment to animal rights.
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