Overview
- Police arrested Miyata Yuki, 51, on September 18 on suspicion of animal abuse under Japan's Animal Welfare Law.
- Investigators allege she failed to provide sufficient food from February 2024 to June 2, 2025, causing 13 cats to die and keeping 12 in unsanitary conditions.
- Authorities recovered roughly 132 to about 150 cat carcasses from her residence and an adjacent rental property, according to police and city reports.
- She has admitted the allegations, telling police the growing number of cats became burdensome as costs and labor rose.
- Kumamoto City launched the probe after a tip, rescued about 12 weakened cats through another group, and the volunteer organization she belonged to plans to disband.