Please End Animal Use: Itoman Harly Duck Catching Competition

Animal Rights Center has been accusing the organizers of the Itoman Harley Duck Catching Competition of violating the Animal Welfare Act, but unfortunately, they were not prosecuted.

However, the fact that they were not prosecuted does not mean that this act is not animal abuse. It clearly falls under the definition of animal abuse as defined by the Ministry of the Environment. Throwing ducks into the sea, where they have never swum before, and chasing them is inherently cruel.

According to an article in the Ryukyu Shimpo, the Itoman History and Culture Research Institute’s Mr. Kinjyo states that duck catching competitions are not traditional or ritualistic. He mentions that before the fishing port was developed, it was very difficult to catch ducks that had thrown into the sea, and he says that it started as an event after the war. Furthermore, the Ryukyu Shimpo introduces a description from the “Local Study 1: Itoman Town’s Hairyu Ship,” jointly issued by the Itoman High School Local Study Club in June 1965, which states that “Duck catching is now done as a side show. Spectators can freely catch ducks and make them their own.” In other words, the conclusion that this is a side show was already made more than 50 years ago.

The Itoman Harley is scheduled to be held on June 9th. They will decide whether to hold the duck catching competition just before that. Upon the announcement of the event, the Animal Rights Center Japan contacted the chairman of the Itoman Harley Events Committee and expressed a desire to hold discussions. Unfortunately, they were too busy in May and June, so they said they would contact us again in July. However, since the Itoman Harley will be over by July, we requested the cessation of animal use in writing.

On May 4th and 5th, “Ageuma” ritual was held at the Tado Taisha Shrine in Mie Prefecture. They changed to climbing steep slopes instead of walls, but there doesn’t seem to have been a change in consciousness regarding the treatment of animals. While this event is held as a traditional event, it has become a festival where people dress up and ride horses that they are not familiar with for entertainment. Who was aware of the original purpose of climbing the slope to predict the harvest…

The Itoman Harley is clearly not a traditional culture. It is hoped that it will be turned into entertainment that can be enjoyed without sacrificing anyone, using methods suitable for the current era that do not involve the use of live animals. The Animal Rights Center Japan has proposed a remote-controlled duck that is about 30cm long. If the use of live animals is to be abolished, we would like to donate some.

Please think of and propose better methods. Opinions are accepted at the following numbers. When I asked if it might be annoying to stop, I was told that it was not a problem. Last year, I couldn’t get through at all, but they are prepared. Please be careful not to insult or threaten them, as it could be considered obstructing their business. Please do not call the fisheries cooperative, as it may interfere with their work.
Itoman Harley Events Committee: 098-851-8339 (*Inquiries accepted only during the event)

Also, although it is not for the purchase of ducks, Itoman City provided a subsidy of 770,000 yen for event insurance, security for 26 people, and the lease of 21 temporary toilets and 13 tents, and also dispatched city officials last year. They are also promoting the event. Naturally, they can be said to bear some responsibility. We also ask for your continued opinions to Itoman City.
Commercial and Industrial Fisheries Promotion Division: 098-840-8137

And one more place where the necessary action is not functioning at all is Okinawa Prefecture. For the “positive (intentional) abuse” specific examples shown by the Ministry of the Environment,

Acts that cause or may cause physical trauma
Inflicting violence
Psychological repression, instilling fear

I hope they will provide appropriate guidance for the duck catching competition, which definitely falls under these categories.

Okinawa Prefecture Animal Welfare Management Center: 098-945-3043
Okinawa Prefecture Environmental Department Nature Conservation Division: 098-866-2243