The western Japanese city of Nara known for its deer is investigating allegations that the animals have been abused.
Municipal officials in Nara say a veterinarian reported last month that hundreds of deer kept in a special fenced area were being given insufficient food and have weakened.
The facility is operated by a group that protects deer in and around Nara Park. The Nara Deer Preservation Foundation accommodates animals that have damaged farm products or harmed people. The veterinarian said more than 70 deer die every year at the facility.
The group says it feeds the animals sufficiently. It called the accusations of abuse "regrettable."
It says deer in the facility may be stressed from living in a group, which they are not used to, especially males.
On Tuesday, the city's public health center started an onsite inspection. Officials took photos and videos of the facility and checked the animals' health.
Nara City public health official Inaba Yoshiyuki said the center will listen to opinions from experts, and decide whether the deer have been abused or not.
The city plans to reveal its findings as early as this month.
Municipal officials in Nara say a veterinarian reported last month that hundreds of deer kept in a special fenced area were being given insufficient food and have weakened.
The facility is operated by a group that protects deer in and around Nara Park. The Nara Deer Preservation Foundation accommodates animals that have damaged farm products or harmed people. The veterinarian said more than 70 deer die every year at the facility.
The group says it feeds the animals sufficiently. It called the accusations of abuse "regrettable."
It says deer in the facility may be stressed from living in a group, which they are not used to, especially males.
On Tuesday, the city's public health center started an onsite inspection. Officials took photos and videos of the facility and checked the animals' health.
Nara City public health official Inaba Yoshiyuki said the center will listen to opinions from experts, and decide whether the deer have been abused or not.
The city plans to reveal its findings as early as this month.
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Summary
Investigation launched in Nara, Japan over allegations of deer abuse at a protective facility. The facility, managed by the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation, reportedly provides care for deer that have caused damage or harm. A veterinarian claimed hundreds of deer were given insufficient food and
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ID: 5f03fe2e-935d-4f0d-a73b-1137f10d7053
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231003_26/
Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Created: 2023/10/04 07:14
Updated: 2025/12/08 22:57
Last Read: 2023/10/04 07:35