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I have recently encountered the compelling documentary film called “Dogs, Cats and Humans.” It’s a recently released Japanese film and I have not seen it yet. However, as reading its synopsis and introduction at the official website, I was stunned by the ongoing fact of animal cruelty in Japan. Of course, it is not a social problem for only Japan but also other countries. Yet, I believe that the case in Japan is speechlessly outrageous, comparing to the other economically advanced countries such as U.S. and United Kingdom.

All my dogs came from the local animal shelters. In fact, I recently adopted a 9-months old pup used to be a stray. So, I can’t help getting emotional about the horrible situation of animals in Japan. I now really want people to know about this film and to think about the animal protection.

Here’s the introduction and synopsis of this film. I translated the contents on the official website with a permission from the director of the film, Motoharu Iida.

[Introduction]

Do you feel that they are cute or pitiful?

Walking through towns and cities, you will notice the many familiar sights of dogs walking with their owners and cats sleeping in alleyways. That is not to say, however, that all dogs and cats live happily their whole lives. Due to the unprecedented pet boom in Japan, more than 300,000 dogs and cats are disposed of each year. It is a sad reality; 1,000 per day are killed. Have you heard about such dogs and cats?

Beginning a journey to explore the plight of abandoned dogs and cats

This film is the result of a cat-loving elderly lady who wishes to save these unfortunate dogs and cats. Thus began four years of research to complete the film. The director, Motoharu Iida, is known for his documentary, Ashigara-san, about the homeless. From the perspective and eye-level of dogs and cats, he closely captures the relationship between human beings and animals. This film delivers such images as a dog sadly gazing at you through an iron fence and newborn kittens just brought to animal pounds. This film also approaches the situation in one of the leading humane countries of the world, the United Kingdom, and the tremendous hardship that exists for the abandoned animal rescue effort. However, even in such somber circumstances, you will for a moment witness a gleam of humor in the eyes of these animals.

Dogs and cats are reflecting human beings.

Some might not be interested in animals. Yet, the children and people trying to save animals will demonstrate to you their love for “lives.” Not all who abandon animals necessarily hate them. Indeed, many who professionally dispose of animals do love them. The way we treat animals may represent both our ego and love hidden inside of us. We are the humans who abandon dogs and cats, but at the same time, we are the ones who can save them. In this film, you will certainly find some hope beyond your initial sentimental and pitying reaction to these dismal situations.

[Synopsis]

The film begins with the scene where the director, Iida, meets an elderly woman. Ms. Keiko Inaba has voluntarily been taking care of abandoned cats for years. However, she is now concerned about being elderly and so approaches Iida saying, “I want you to create a film that will make people treat animals nicely.” She wants it to make people care about animals. Iida asks her, “Why do you care about cats so much?” She answers, “Although I like people, I think animals are better than them.”

Researching the current situation in the so-called “Pet Great Nation” Japan, it is clear that this country does not provide well for animals. There are, of course, many families who consider their pets as family members. On the other hand, there are unending numbers of greedy pet shops interested only in profits, illegal animal abandonment, and the public’s irresponsible attitude toward the problem. As a result, up to 1000 dogs and cats are disposed everyday throughout Japan. Why does it happen? What can I do to prevent it? Such questions motivated Iida to create this film.

Iida’s first subject is the current situation of abandoned animals in Japanese facilities where the majority of dogs and cats are put to death by gas, carbon dioxide poisoning. Even so, more and more unwanted animals are continuously brought to such facilities. It was more than a little shocking for Iida to see with his own eyes so many friendly dogs and newborn kittens put to death.

Shifting the spotlight to the private sector and humane movement, Iida encounters various people and animals. Unique dogs and cats are shown at the Kanagawa Humane Society. Veterinarians providing spaying services are faced with the dilemma of providing such surgeries for the sake of human convenience. He spoke to a couple who for years watched and photographed stray cats along the bank of Tama River and to an elderly man living at the once-notorious place called “Dog Abandoning Mountain” who cared for such dogs with the help of a group of students. Elementary students are shown nursing pups, using their New Year’s monetary gifts. Iida then looks towards the situation in the leading humane country, the United Kingdom, and the Japanese situation of animal protection during the World War II.

Iida reveals the heartbreak of these small lives and how human ego results in animal abandonment. He continues to film many dogs and cats and the people trying hard to save them.
[Revised 01.11.2010]

(Only Japanese)

Dogs, Cats and Humans

Release Date: 2009 (Japan)
Director: Motoharu Iida
Genre: Documentary
Running Time: 118 min
Official Website: http://www.inunekoningen.com/ (Only in Japanese)

Reference for further readings

• Pet dogs in Japan – love them and leave them… in a gas chamber – Lee Chapman
• Director captures bleaker side of Japan’s pet boom in ‘Dogs, Cats and Humans’ – The Mainichi Daily News
• The Grim Truth About Cats and Dogs – AUK Media