More than 70 rabbits were found dead on the famous Okunoshima island between November and January.
Authorities on Okunoshima, an island off the coast of Hiroshima, Japan, known for being home to hundreds of rabbits, have arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of kicking a rabbit, as the deaths are being investigated. of more than 70 animals.
According to Japanese police, cited by the France-Presse news agency (AFP), Riku Hotta, from Kyoto, was "arrested on suspicion of having kicked a rabbit" on Tuesday. The animal would have died later.
Local press reports that police are investigating whether the 25-year-old is also linked to the death of 77 rabbits that were found on the island between November 2024 and January 12, 2025.
The Chugoku newspaper reported that the young man, accused of violating the Animal Protection Law, admitted to hitting the rabbit to see how it would react. "Although I thought the rabbits were cute, I was curious to see how they would react if they were mistreated," he said.
Before the arrest on Monday, Japan's environment ministry said the cause of the animals' deaths could "be an infectious disease, cold weather or a human-related factor."
"We are investigating the cause in consultation with veterinarians and relevant organizations, while strengthening monitoring," he explained.
Okunoshima Island was home to a chemical weapons factory during World War II, but is now a tourist attraction in Japan. Popular with tourists, the island has specific rules to protect rabbits.More than 70 rabbits were found dead on the famous Okunoshima island between November and January.
Authorities on Okunoshima, an island off the coast of Hiroshima, Japan, known for being home to hundreds of rabbits, have arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of kicking a rabbit, as the deaths are being investigated. of more than 70 animals.
According to Japanese police, cited by the France-Presse news agency (AFP), Riku Hotta, from Kyoto, was "arrested on suspicion of having kicked a rabbit" on Tuesday. The animal would have died later.
Local press reports that police are investigating whether the 25-year-old is also linked to the death of 77 rabbits that were found on the island between November 2024 and January 12, 2025.
The Chugoku newspaper reported that the young man, accused of violating the Animal Protection Law, admitted to hitting the rabbit to see how it would react. "Although I thought the rabbits were cute, I was curious to see how they would react if they were mistreated," he said.
Before the arrest on Monday, Japan's environment ministry said the cause of the animals' deaths could "be an infectious disease, cold weather or a human-related factor."
"We are investigating the cause in consultation with veterinarians and relevant organizations, while strengthening monitoring," he explained.
Okunoshima Island was home to a chemical weapons factory during World War II, but is now a tourist attraction in Japan. Popular with tourists, the island has specific rules to protect rabbits.
