Ward bans feeding of stray animals

The municipal assembly of Arakawa Ward, Tokyo, passed an ordinance Friday banning the feeding of stray cats and other unowned animals effective from next April, the first such local government law.

Cats cared for by a community will be exempt from the ban as the restrictions will be based on whether the residents agree that the stray animals are a nuisance.

The ward will issue instructions to stop feeding stray animals after an inspection of the situation.

A fine of up to ¥50,000 may be imposed on those who disregard the instruction. Those who refuse or obstruct an inspection face a fine of up to ¥100,000.