Animal Welfare Japan Project #52869

Stop The Killing of Dogs & Cats in Japan

by Peace Winds Japan

Summary

Each year tens of thousands of stray pets are killed in Japan. Through its "Peace Wanco," or "Peace Doggy" project, Peace Winds Japan is striving to halt this practice by rescuing cats and dogs, retraining them and finding them new homes. Since starting the project, we have saved more than 6,000 animals that otherwise would have been euthanized. Please support our ongoing efforts to eradicate pet euthanasia, establish pet adoption centers and broaden our awareness-raising activities.

$50,000
total goal

$28,151
remaining

139
donors

2
monthly donors

3
years

Challenge

In Japan, many people keep cats and dogs without considering the responsibilities entailed and abandon them in a heartbeat. They often do so for selfish reasons, saying "we don't get along," or, "I can't keep it anymore because I'm moving to a new house." Once abandoned, these pets become wild and are eventually caught and killed in a barbaric gas chamber system called the "Dream Box." In 2011, 8,300+ dogs and cats met such a fate in Hiroshima Prefecture alone, the highest number in Japan.

Solution

Since 2016, Peace Winds Japan has helped ensure this number has been cut to zero, thanks to our Peace Wanco Project ("wanco" is Japanese for "doggy"). To achieve this we have built a large shelter in Hiroshima and to date we have taken in 6,000+ dogs, including the sick and injured. In addition, we have opened adoption centers in eight locations nationwide and remain committed to finding homes for the dogs we have trained. We have 100+ staff involved in training dogs and finding them new owners.

Long-Term Impact

There's still a long way to go to save the tens of thousands of other dogs and cats that continue to be killed annually across Japan. With your help, we plan to open more adoption centers and hire more training staff. It is difficult to change longstanding public perceptions. Nevertheless, through awareness-raising and other activities throughout Japan, we remain committed to putting a stop to the cruel and senseless killing of countless, innocent animals whose only request is to be loved.