Protected Species?

WrylyBrindle

What protections are placed on the NK breeds in Japan, based on their Natural Treasure/protected species(?) designation? Is there some sort of law above the humaneness laws accorded to dogs in general, or is the title just a recognition of the value and cultural significance of the native japanese breeds? Is it like being listed as an endangered species in the US? I never thought to ask- just thought "wow!"

sunyata

Hmm... Good question!

I would assume that there would be some sort of provision in place to at least preserve the breeds. Not sure what that would be or how well it could be enforced, though.

WrylyBrindle

I assume its something more than, say, when laws are made declaring the Official State Marine Mammal or something. Are any regulations accorded to an official Natural Treasure?

TheWalrus

The law was written to protect landmarks, animals, plants, pretty much anything that was deemed to be a unique part of Japanese culture. Once something is declared a natural monument it gives the government the responsibility and right to protect it. Obviously there are different rules for protecting say a landmark or wild animal than there are for protecting the Nihonken.

The part that would apply to the Nihonken is that their preservation is written into law. They are to be preserved 'as is', so any attempts to change them, or any actions taken to endanger their existence are illegal. It is a rather vague law with gray areas, but basically it gives the government and the courts power to take action where necessary to preserve things or places of cultural value. If say one of the NK was going extinct, the Ministry of Culture would probably step in to work with NIPPO to remedy the situation. Of course one of the original NK already went extinct, so that's not a great precedent.

In the case of a wild animal, if they are endangered, and their habitat under threat, under this law areas that are needed for their survival can be designated as protected areas. It becomes illegal to destroy their habitat/food supply etc. For a domesticated animal like the NK, it's all a lot more vague.