A savannah monitor lizard kept at a zoo. A conspecific reptile appeared in a video uploaded by a man accused of animal cruelty. (Provided by Shirotori Zoo in Higashi-Kagawa, Kagawa Prefecture)
OSAKA--An animal rights group has filed a criminal complaint of animal cruelty against a YouTuber who showed videos of his pet reptiles devouring live prey, including a rabbit and a hamster.
Legal experts say bringing charges in this case may be difficult.
The Law on Welfare and Management of Animals bans killing or injuring “protected animals,” or mammals, birds and reptiles in the possession of humans, without good reason. It also bans acts of cruelty, including physical abuse, breeding under wretched circumstances and neglect.