The mass media produces programmes and articles encouraging people to keep pets without pointing out the responsibility, time, space and money involved. Housing in Japan is a major cause of pet abandonment. Many dogs are tied on short chains and they spend their days in stress and boredom, often barking incessantly, which leads to pressure from neighbours to get rid of the animal. Most rented housing prohibits pets but people keep them secretly until found out. Recently though there has been an increase in rental properties that allow pets.
Japanese companies move their employees around often at short notice.
When this happens the family pet has to be given up. We have currently nearly 200 dogs and 80 cats at ARK, as well as goats, a pig and a silver fox. All these animals have been rescued, and many came to ARK as a result of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in January 1995. ARK staff and volunteers try to give these animals a quality of life according to each individual's particular needs. For example, young animals need lots of space and exercise, old animals need warmth and special care.