Ministry of the Environment's "Domestic Cat" Invasive Species Designation for Control Opposed; 50,000 Signatures Submitted to Environment Minister

The Dobutsukikin Foundation (Location: Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture / Chairman: Kunihisa Sagami) today submitted the first batch of 50,000 signatures to the Environment Minister, opposing the Ministry of the Environment's designation of "domestic cats" as invasive species for control promotion. Signatures are still being collected, and Dobutsukikin calls for broad support and dissemination to protect as many cat lives as possible.

The Ministry of the Environment previously acknowledged in its review to remove "feral cats" from hunting game that "it is difficult to distinguish between outdoor cats and pet or community cats." However, this time they have reversed their stance, lumping all cats, both pets and strays, under the single species name "domestic cat" and attempting to promote control nationwide.

From the same fact of "inability to distinguish," on one hand they say, "therefore, remove them from hunting targets," and on the other hand, they conclude, "therefore, control them collectively by species name." This is a clear double standard in the nation's stance, which we cannot overlook.

We already know what this contradiction will lead to in reality.

In 2023, an incident occurred in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where a graduate student filmed himself killing and dismembering a cat and posted it on a video-sharing site. He claimed, "I thought it was a feral cat," but the life taken was that of a community cat that local residents had named, watched over, and cared for. The word "feral cat" almost became a license to kill.

If all cats are designated as invasive species for control promotion as "domestic cats," it could provide a new excuse for such acts, claiming, "I was merely cooperating with the nation's cat control efforts." This directly exposes the cats cared for in our communities to danger. The issue of cat numbers cannot be solved with the idea of "control" meaning removal.

It can be steadily reduced through thorough appropriate care based on the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, and through the scientifically sound and humane method of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return). We are convinced that we should choose this proven, humanitarian path.

[What We Request of the Ministry of the Environment]

The Dobutsukikin Foundation requests the Ministry of the Environment to withdraw or reconsider its policy of treating "domestic cats" as invasive species for control promotion. We also appeal that decisions regarding the handling of cats should be re-discussed based on evidence, in a forum involving specialized knowledge of animal welfare and stakeholders.

[Request for Signatures and Dissemination]

We are continuing to collect signatures. The weight of each signature becomes the power to protect one life. Please sign and help spread the word on social media.

▶ Sign here: Request to the Environment Minister not to designate "domestic cats" as "invasive species for control promotion"

Dobutsukikin Foundation

Since its establishment in 1988, the Dobutsukikin Foundation has consistently worked for the welfare and proper management of animals, including cats. In collaboration with 598 local governments (administrative bodies) nationwide, we have implemented the "Sakura Cat Free Sterilization Project (TNR)" and have provided free sterilization surgery to over 440,000 stray cats and cats from hoarding situations (cumulative total of 441,876 cats). We also cooperate with the Ministry of the Environment in the field of animal welfare and management, and have received commendations and letters of appreciation from over 35 local governments.

<Organization Overview> Name: Dobutsukikin Foundation (Animal Action Fund) Address: 71-7 Okuike Minami-cho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture Established: June 1988 Chairman: Kunihisa Sagami Official Website: https://www.doubutukikin.or.jp