Society Animal Defense Team

Although Japan revised its Animal Welfare Act in June 2020, Osaka-based lawyer Hosokawa Atsushi thought it was still ineffective. In September 2022, he founded a nonprofit group called the Animal Defense Team, which offers pro bono assistance to furry friends. When he started his career as a lawyer in 2001, focusing on "rescuing the vulnerable," Hosokawa found his legal policy and affection for living creatures intertwined.



Hosokawa participated in a study session on legal protection for pets. He engaged in several animal-relating instances annually, with complaints coming in from across Japan more recently. Driven by anger over a spate of horrific abuse cases, Hosokawa became aware at the same time of the difficulty of taking this issue all on his own. He asked the senior lawyers and other members of his bar association and study session for help and cooperation. The Animal Defense Team- the first initiative of its kind in Japan- was formed last September.

Soliciting information on suspected animal abuse cases on its website, lawyers and veterinarians closely examine collected data to amass evidence for filing criminal complaints as necessary. The Animal Defense Team has received reports on 70 cases since its establishment. In three of them, criminal punishment has been sought. Although many challenges remain, such as enlisting supporting members for the group and enhancing coordination with lawyers outside the Kansai region, Hosokawa said he feels confident that his endeavour is coming to fruition.

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Pet-loving lawyer offers pro bono assistance to furry friends | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Animal Defense Team:

so what's about flaky and slicky? and exoskeletic fellahs?
they deserve love and protection too