TOKYO, Sept 28 (Bernama-Kyodo) — A black bear was killed on Monday in western Tokyo after it was found caught in a trap, marking the first time relaxed rules on emergency shootings of dangerous animals have been applied in the Japanese capital since their introduction last year in response to a rise in bear attacks, Kyodo News reported.
According to the Hachioji city government, Takao Police Station was notified of a trapped bear at around 3.30 pm, and an emergency shooting was carried out about two hours later.
Under a revised law on wildlife protection and management, municipalities in Japan have been granted the power to commission hunters to carry out what are known as emergency shootings of bears and other dangerous animals in populated areas.
The move was intended to enable quicker action to prevent harm. Previously, animal shootings were generally banned in public spaces, with only police authorised to permit them in cases of imminent danger.
— BERNAMA-KYODO