There is now a Japanese version of this same petition. This site links to our blog http://d.hatena.ne.jp/animalact/ for additional information)
The Ministry of the Environment is in the process of amending the Japanese animal protection law. The Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) has proposed that the Ministry exempt JAZA's members from the current requirement to register as animal handlers with local authorities.
If JAZA member zoos and aquariums (89 zoos and 67 aquariums) are not registered as animal handlers under the Act, there is no other Japanese law that would oversee the operation of JAZA member institutions .The regulation of zoos would be the responsibility of JAZA itself. JAZA does not have the resources necessary to properly monitor their member institutions and they do not have the authority to ensure member compliance with their own guidelines and standards.
We strongly believe that JAZA member zoos and aquariums should be registered as animal dealers so that zoo animals have greater protection under the law.If you agree on our opinion, please sign my petition
Also please contact your Japanese friends and relatives asking to access http://www.shomei.tv/project-1716.html. We are collecting signatures from members of the Japanese public who are opposed to the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums's proposal.
10 major international animal welfare organizations submitted their letters supporting us to the stakeholders, however, we are still put in a tough situation.
