ALIVE Research: Dogs and Cats Destroyed in Japan. 
                    Since 1999, ALIVE has conducted “Nationwide 
                      Animal Control Questionnaire Survey” annually. The 
                      purpose of the questionnaire is to find about the actual 
                      conditions of the dogs/cats that are destroyed at the local 
                      government facilities. The result of the survey is issued 
                      as an annual report and the report is used when sending 
                      ALIVE’s opinions concerning animal administration 
                      to the government.
                    The Number of Dogs and Cats Destroyed 
                      in 2007.
                    
                     The Local Government’s Argument 
                      in Destroying Dogs and Cats.
                    According to the Rabies Prevention Acts and 
                      other local government provisions, concerning dogs, local 
                      governments are responsible for capture, custody, return, 
                      adoption and destruction.
                    According to the Act on Welfare and Management 
                      of Animals, local governments are responsible for capture 
                      and destruction (sometimes adoption) of cats and dog, including 
                      strays and cats/dogs that are injured and left on the streets 
                      due to car accidents.
                    Destiny of Dogs/Cats at Public Shelter.
                    There are three destinations for dogs/cats 
                      at public shelters. Dogs and cats that are captured and 
                      kept at the local government shelters will be returned to 
                      the owners, rehomed or destroyed.
                    Return Dogs /Cats to Owners: 
                      Lost or stray dogs/cats will be returned to their owners, 
                      if the owners desire to take them back.
                      Adoption: Possible adoptive families will 
                      be found, when the original owners give up their ownership, 
                      or when the time period that the local governments keep 
                      dogs/cats has expired.
                      Destruction: Dogs/cats will be destroyed 
                      when the government cannot find their owners or new adoptive 
                      families.
                     105 Local Governments Manage Animal 
                      Administration.
                    As of 2007, there are 105 governmental bodies 
                      managing animal administration. These are varied levels 
                      and types of governments and include prefectural, regional, 
                      city, town, and ward governments.