A SCHOOL worker allegedly stomped on hamsters at so-called love hotels in a string of horror “massacres”.
Cops say Motoki Kimura, 36, planned the inhumane killings with two young women, texting one saying: “Where are we going to kill the hamsters and have fun?”
He was arrested on August 31 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, for violating the country’s animal welfare law.
In February and March, the high school staff member is said to have plotted with two women to meet at “love hotels”, short-stay accommodation frequented by couples.
He then allegedly massacred the hamsters in a bizarre and senseless act.
Kimura was indicted in July for the killing of around 20 hamsters in February with an unnamed 19-year-old woman.
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He was arrested again on Monday for the brutal murder of 30 hamsters in March.
Haruka Fujisawa, a 20-year-old temporary worker, was reportedly present for the killings in March but her exact involvement is unknown.
Kimura and Fujisawa initially connected through social media before meeting to commit the horrific massacre, police say.
Fujisawa and the unnamed 19-year-old woman were arrested for their alleged roles in the killings.
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Hiroyuki Nasu, a senior Miyako police official, said Kimura was arrested on August 31 for his “gratuitous killings.”
On Kimura’s mobile phone, police found videos of the killings, as well as text messages of him plotting the heinous acts with Fujisawa.
Nasu quoted one of the exchanged messages as saying: “Where are we going to kill the hamsters and have fun?”
Prosecutors allege Kimura killed the helpless hamsters by stomping on them and by other means.
Police will continue investigating whether he may have committed other similar crimes.
It comes after a rapid increase in reported animal abuse cases across Japan.
Last week, Japanese authorities launched a probe into animal cafes due to hygiene and welfare concerns.
These cafes are extremely popular with tourists as they can interact with a variety of animals, from cats to capybaras.
However, there are concerns that the animals are subject to prolonged interactions with visitors, live in cramped spaces, and that their living areas are not kept clean.
There are also fears that the popularity of these cafes encourages the capture and illegal trade of rare wildlife.
In 2023, the National Police Agency registered a record high 181 cases involving suspected violations of Japan’s animal welfare laws.
That figure was more than five times the 33 cases recorded in 2010, when records began.
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There were also 206 arrests or referrals regarding suspected violations of the Welfare and Management of Animals act.
The National Police Agency said growing awareness of animal welfare and an increase in reports from the public could be contributing to the rise in cases.