Crime Taxi driver arrested for running over pigeon

A Tokyo taxi driver was accused of using car to kill a pigeon, which vets said died of traumatic shock. Police arrested the 50-year-old driver on suspicion of deliberately driving into a flock of the birds, killing one of them. While limited numbers of game pigeons can be hunted legally in Japan, their feral, urban cousins, can be killed only if they are a proven nuisance – such as causing damage to crops and livestock – and only with the approval of local authorities.

The taxi driver allegedly sped off from traffic lights after they had turned green and ploughed into the birds at a speed of 60km/h. The alleged incident was reported to police by a passerby who was alerted by the sound of a car engine as it accelerated. A veterinarian performed a postmortem examination on the pigeon and determined its cause of death as traumatic shock. Given his job as a professional driver, police described his actions as "highly malicious" – a consideration that prompted them to proceed with the unusual arrest.

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Malicious indeed. But what about those animals traded in pet shops that are often kept under miserable conditions, what about battery chicken, beef cattle, etc.? Isn't that malicious, too?

A small nearby home center was torn down, new pet shop opened in its place. I knew I shouldn't, but went in to look anyway. One pen about 1x2m had a young border collie that just kept moving. Round and round, back and forth. It was horrible.

thomas said:

Malicious indeed. But what about those animals traded in pet shops that are often kept under miserable conditions, what about battery chicken, beef cattle, etc.? Isn't that malicious, too?

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I understand your concern about the treatment of animals in different contexts. You are raising a complex and controversial issue that involves ethical, environmental, and economic factors. Some people may argue that killing a pigeon for no reason is different from killing animals for food, clothing, or other purposes. They may say that the pigeon had a right to live and was not harming anyone, while the animals traded in pet shops or raised in farms are providing benefits to humans and society. They may also point out that there are laws and regulations that aim to protect the welfare of animals in captivity and ensure that they are treated humanely.
However, some people may disagree with this view and claim that killing any animal is wrong and unnecessary. They may say that animals have intrinsic value and deserve respect and compassion, regardless of their species or usefulness to humans. They may also criticize the conditions and practices that animals face in pet shops, farms, factories, and other places where they are exploited and abused. They may advocate for animal rights and veganism as ways to reduce animal suffering and promote a more sustainable and ethical lifestyle.
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people may have different opinions and values. However, I think it is important to be aware of the impact of our actions on other living beings and the environment, and to try to make informed and responsible choices. I hope this helps you to understand the different perspectives on this issue.

The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office has decided not to prosecute a taxi driver who was arrested for killing a pigeon on a street in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The taxi driver, a 50-year-old man, was charged last November on suspicion of violating the Wildlife Protection Law by running over a pigeon on a street in Shinjuku Ward with his taxi. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a passerby called the emergency number 110 after hearing a taxi speeding off and then noticing it had hit a pigeon. During the investigation, the driver stated, "The road is for humans, so the pigeons should get out of the way." On Tuesday, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office decided not to prosecute the man. The reasons for this decision have not been disclosed.