Overview
- Miyako police confirmed late Aug. 31 that they arrested a 36‑year‑old high school staff member on suspicion of killing about 30 hamsters at a love hotel in late March.
- Investigators say the same man was detained in July over a separate February incident in which roughly 20 hamsters were killed with a different woman.
- Police seized the suspect’s smartphone and found videos of the killings plus text messages that prosecutors say show planning and filming of the acts.
- Two women, aged 19 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of violating animal protection laws for their alleged roles in the separate incidents and the probe is ongoing.
- Authorities link the case to a broader rise in reported animal‑welfare violations in Japan and say they will examine whether the suspect committed other similar offences.