International Conference on Animal Care in KOBE

On the Day　–　International Conference

Call for Information re. Murder Incident (Ms. Miyako Hiraoka)

On 12th and 13th December 2009, and just prior to the 15th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, a conference and accompanying exhibition called the ‘Live Love Animals International Conference on Animal Care in Kobe’ was held. The purpose of the conference was to encourage people to think more about society’s responsibility over the lives of animals including human beings.
The program began with an opening video to introduce the origins of the conference with scenes showing the animal rescue activities after the earthquake and how the conference came into being. After the video, a prayer and moment of silence was conducted in memory of Ms. Miyako HIRAOKA, a Shimane Prefecture University student who was registered to attend the conference but had recently become the victim of a brutal murder. (Any information of potential use to the authorities was requested of attendees).

Next, Dr. Shigekatsu ICHIDA, of the Great Earthquake Animal Rescue Memorial Association delivered a keynote speech, and the conference advisers discussed a direction for the conference.


Keynote Speech “Animal Rescue in the Wake of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake”
Dr. Shigekatsu ICHIDA (Chairperson, The Great Earthquake Animal Rescue Memorial Association)


“List of the Advisers who discussed the conference direction”
Dr. Hiroko SHIBANAI, Advisor, Japanese Animal Hospital Association / Director, Akasaka Animal Hospital	Ms. Keiko YAMAZAKI, Companion Animal Study Group “Go”


Conference Advisers
Prof. Takashi UEMURA, Shijonawate Gakuen University Dr. Hiroko SHIBANAI, Advisor, Japanese Animal Hospital Association / Director, Akasaka Animal Hospital Dr. Kimihiro TAMAI, Chairperson, Veterinary Association of Wakayama Prefecture Dr. Chizuko YAMAGUCHI, Veterinary Inspector, Japan Animal Welfare Society Ms. Keiko YAMAZAKI, Companion Animal Study Group “Go”

Various workshops were held over the two day period starting in the afternoon of Saturday 12th until Sunday 13th December, 2009.
For each workshop, some highly interesting talks and panel discussions were held by leading authorities within the chosen field. The Q & A times were also very active.

WorkshopⅠ“Crisis Management When Disaster Strikes”

Dates & Time & Venue ： Saturday 12th December 13:00-16:00 Main Hall
Organizer: Secretariat
MC/Chairperson: Prof. Takashi UEMURA, Shijonawate Gakuen University
Cooperation: Headquarters for the Relief of Animals in Emergencies

Speakers
1.	‘Animal Rescue Activities in Stricken Areas after Hurricane Katrina’ Dr. Rebecca RHOADES, D.V.M. (Executive Director, Kauai Humane Society)
2.	‘Looking Back on Animal Rescue Activities in the Wake of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake’ Dr.Shigekatsu ICHIDA (Chairman, The Great Earthquake Animal Rescue Memorial Association)
3.	‘Changes in Japan’s Animal Rescue Activities during Crises over the Past 20 Years’ Dr. Chizuko YAMAGUCHI, (Veterinary Inspector, Japan Animal Welfare Society)
4.	‘Measures Against Zoonosis’ Dr. Takeshi MORITA, D.V.M.(Deputy Director, Tuberculosis and Infectious Disease Division,Health Service Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
5.	‘The Problem of Zoonosis, etc during Emergency Crises’ Dr. Masaru SATO, (Head of Tokyo Veterinary Medical Association, Infections Counter-Measures Section, Crisis Management Group)

Workshop II 　“Zoo Improvement / Enrichment”

Dates & Time & Venue: Saturday 12th December 13:00～16:00 Meeting Room 501　
Organizer & Chairperson: Dr. Yoshikazu UENO Ph.D. Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cooperation: Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums(JAZA)

Speakers
1.	‘Environmental enrichment: why it is important for zoo animals’ Prof. Georgia MASON (University of Guelph ;Animal Sciences)
2.	‘A Pioneering Attempt at Environmental Enrichment at Ueno Zoological Gardens’ Mr. Hidemasa HORI (Curator of East Garden, Ueno Zoological Gardens)
3.	‘Feeding-Enrichment for African Elephants’ Mr. Tetsuya SUZUKI （Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden）

Workshop III　“Welfare and Management of Farmed Animals”

Dates & Time & venue: Saturday 12th December 13:00-16:00 Meeting Room 502
Organizer: The Japanese Coalition for Animal Welfare
Joint Organize: Laboratory of Animal Welfare (sponsored by Ishii Corp.), Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University)
Chairperson: Dr. Shusuke SATO (Professor, Tohoku University Postgraduate School)
MC: Dr. Shigeru NINOMIYA (Asst. Professor, Tohoku University, Postgraduate School)

Speakers

‘The Importance of Greater Consideration for Farmed Animals’
Prof. Shusuke SATO, (Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University)

Rearing Systems and the Scientific Evaluation of Animal Welfare Husbandry

(1)	Improved Broiler Production ‘The Possibility and Future of Animal Welfare for Chicken in Japan’ Dr. Ai OHARA(Assistant, Laboratory of Animal Welfare (sponsored by Ishii Corp.), 　　 Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University)
(2)	Improved Pig-Keeping ‘More Comfort-Oriented Hog Raising with Consideration of the Pig’s Needs.’ Mr. Katsuhiko TOYOSHITA (Representative, Porkland Group) / Dr. Daisuke KOHARI (Lecturer at the Field Science Center, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University)
(3)	Improved Beef Rearing ‘Fattening system with consideration for the physical and psychological health of cattle’ Mr. Takashi CHIBA (Tohoku Uni Affiliated Field Center, Environmental Welfare Animal Husbandry Section) Associate Prof. Shigeru NINOMIYA (Laboratory of Animal Welfare (sponsored by Ishii Corp.), Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University)

Marketability of Animal Welfare Husbandry The Co-Op’s Perspective ‘Pal System’
‘Efforts in Support of Animal Welfare’
Mr. Yuzo KUWAJIMA (Products General Manager (Director), Pal Meat Co. Ltd..)

General Discussion 30 min

Workshop IV “Shelter Animal Care – For Better Adoptions”

Dates & Time & Venue: Sunday 13th December 9:00～12:00 Mai Hall
Organizer: Japan Animal Welfare Society
Chairperson: Ms. Keiko YAMAZAKI (Companion Animal Study Group “Go”)
Supporting Company: Mars Japan Limited
Cooperation: Hyogo Prefecture Animal Wellbeing Center
MC: Dr. Chizuko YAMAGUCHI, Veterinary Inspector, Japan Animal Welfare Society

Speakers
1.	‘Shelter Work in the United Kingdom’ Ms. Miranda LUCK　（International Animal Welfare ConsultantLead Trainer on Shelter Management for RSPCA International）
2.	‘Shelter Care for Better Adoptions’ Ms. Pamela BURNS, (President and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society)
3.	‘An Adoption Program and the Activities of an Owners Society in Hyogo Prefecture’ Dr. Masao MITANI,　(Manager, Hyogo Prefecture Animal Wellbeing Center, Miki Branch)
4.	‘Cooperation between Kobe City and the Japan Animal Welfare Society City Center Kuro’ Dr. Mari YUKI,(Assistant Manager, Kobe City Animal and Pet Management Center) Ms. Miyoko KITAMURA, (Japan Animal Welfare Society City Center Kuro)

Workshop V “Animal Care – Role of Animal hospitals and Veterinary Nurses”

Date & Time & venue ： Sunday 13th December 9:00～12:00 Meeting Room 501
Organizer: Japanese Veterinary Nursing Association (JVNA)
Chairperson：Prof. Mitsuaki OHTA (Azabu University, School of Veterinary Medicine)
MC：Ms. Takako MATSUBARA
(Vice Director General(Deputy Chairperson), Japan Society of Animal Nursing, Animal Nurse)

Speakers
Part 1 : The Importance of Veterinary Nursing in Veterinary Hospitals
・	Dr. Daijiro HARA (Director, Jutoku-kai, Animal Medical Center)
・	Dr. Yoshihiko KOJIMA (Director, Kojima Animal Hospital, Animal Wellness Center)
・	Dr. Keiko SUGIMOTO (Director, Minami-Koiwai Pet Clinic, Medical Support Center)
Part 2 :　Cultivating Veterinary Nursing Professionals in Japan
・	Prof. Shigenori IKEMOTO (President, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University)
・	Ms. Keiko SHIMOZONO (Board Chairperson, Shimozono Gakuen – International Animal Health & Management Colleges)
・	Prof. Akio FUKUSHO (Professor, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology)
Part3 : Exploring How Veterinary Nursing Should Be
・	Ms. Mitsuko SAKATA (Manager, Sakata Animal Hospital)
・	Ms. Junko YOKOTA (Animal Nurse, Yokota Pet Clinic)
・	Prof. Yuji MORI (Professor, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science)

Workshop VI Caring for Older Dogs

Date & Time & Venue: Sunday 13th December 9:00-12:00 Meeting Room 502
Organizer: Veterinary Association of Kobe City
Chairperson: Dr. Hideko KOBAYASHI (Veterinary Association of Kobe City)

Speakers
1.	‘Dementia in Older Dogs’　 Dr. Keiko ISHIKAWA(Technical Education Department, Kyoritsu Seiyaku Corporation)
2.	‘Joint Diseases in Older Dogs’ Dr. Keiko ISHIKAWA (Technical Education Department, Kyoritsu Seiyaku Corporation)
3.	‘Eye Disease in Old Age : Cataracts’ Dr. Makoto YAMASHITA（Veterinarian at Fabre Animal Hospitall）
4.	‘Measures Owners Should Take in Caring for Older Dogs’ Ms. Keiko NAKATSUKA （Representative of Dolcecane , JAHA authorized dog training instructor）

Workshop VII “Nutritional Science for Pet Animals – Effect of Gut Health to Overall Health-”

Date & Time & Venue: Sunday 13th December 13:00-16:00 Main Hall
Organizer: Secretariat
Chairperson: Prof. Toshinori SAKO (School of Veterinary Nursing & Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University)
Supporting Company: Nestle Purina PetCare
Cooperation: Japanese Society of Pet Animal Nutrition / AnimaTec OHSHIMA

Speakers
1.	’Effect of Gut health to Overall Health’ Dr. Jill Cline, PhD,(Research Scientist, Nestle Purina Product Technology Center)
2.	"Clinical significance of diagnostic imaging in gastrointestinal diseases: A message from an imaging specialist" Dr. Takayoshi MIYABAYASHI, BVS, MS, PhD (Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology Director & CEO, Institute of Veterinary Education & Advanced Technology)
3.	’Obesity in Companion Animals’ Associate Prof. Katsumi ISHIOKA DVM, Ph.D (School of Veterinary Nursing & Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University)
4.	’Preventing Diabetes and How it is Treated.’ Prof. Toshinori SAKO (School of Veterinary Nursing & Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Science Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University)

Workshop VIII “Child Care and Animal Care”

Date & Time & Venue: Sunday 13th December 13:00～16:00 Meeting Room 501
Organizer: Japanese Animal Hospital Association (JAHA)
Chairperson: Dr. Hiroko SHIBANAI （Advisor, Japanese Animal Hospital Association / Director, Akasaka Animal Hospital
Supporting Company: ROYAL CANIN JAPON, Inc.
MC: Dr. Hirohisa TOTSUKA （Chairman of Companion Animal Partnership Program Committee, Japanese Animal Hospital Association）

Speakers
Part 1 : ‘Giving Meaningful Experiences to Children’
・.	Dr. Mihoko NAKAGAWA (Vice-Chair for Humane & Science Education Utilizing School-owned Animals, Japan Veterinary Medical Association / Director, Nakagawa Animal Hospital / Secretary-General, Society for Humane & Science Education Utilizing School-owned Animals / Presider, Japanese Veterinary Council for School-owned Animals) ‘Practicing Human-Animal Bond Education that Values People and Animals’
‘Practicing Human, - Animal Bond Education that Values People and animals’
・.	Dr. Tetsuya MAEKAWA (Science Teacher, Junior High School of Ochanomizu University Director, NPO Japan Human Animal Bond Society (J-HABS) / Meteorologists / Environment Counselor (Citizen))
Part 2 : ‘21st Century-Animals which support children the CAPP activities of the Japan Animal Hospital Association’
・.	Dr. Hiroko SHIBANAI Advisor, Japanese Animal Hospital Association / Director, Akasaka Animal Hospital）・The Value of Companion Animals to People’s Health, Welfare & Education ・Animal Therapy Demonstration

Workshop IX “Conservation and Management of Wildlife
～ Protecting habitats and Effective Usage”

Date & Time & Venue: Sunday 13th December 13:00-16:00 Meeting Room 502
Organizer: Secretariat
Chairperson: Prof. Kouichi KAJI, Tokyo University of Agricultural and Technology
Cooperation: Hyogo Prefectural Homeland for the Oriental white Stork / Yezo Deer Association / Wildlife Management Research Center, Hyogo / Hyogo Sikadeer Sustainable Use Working Group / Japan Bear Network

Speakers
1	‘Protection and Control of Sika Deer (Yezo Deer)and Effective Usage of Carcasses’ Prof. Seiji KONDO, (Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University)
2.	‘Consumptive and Non-consumptive Use of Wild Animals –Based on the Sika Deer(Yezo Deer)Case Example-‘ Prof. Masatsugu SUZUKI, (Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences , Gifu University, Veterinary Medicine Program, Laboratory of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine)
3.	‘Trials and Future of Raptor Habitat Protection’ Dr. Takehiko INOUE, (Representative of the Working Group for the Research of the Golden Eagle & Mountain Hawk Eagle in the far east / Vice-Representative of the Working Group for the Research and Conservation of the Japanese Mountain Hawk-Eagle)
4.	‘Wild Animal Protection and Control through Chart and Mineral Sample Analysis of Rescued Wild Birds and Injured / Diseased Animals’ Dr. Okio SUDA, (Director, NPO Wildlife Rescue Veterinarian Association)
5.	‘Sika Deer Management in Hyogo Prefecture – Currently and in the Future Associate Prof. Mayumi YOKOYAMA, (University of Hyogo, Wildlife Management Research Center, Hyogo)

　　　→Contents of workshops
→Abstracts
Each Workshop Contents and Speaker Presentation Summaries

We are currently making a report about each workshop in both Japanese and English. They will be uploaded to the conference homepage　as they become available.

On the Day 　–Reception

Date & Time:	Saturday 12th December 18：00-20：00
Venue:	Kobe Portopia Hotel, Grand Banquet Room ‘KAIRAKU’

On the evening of the Conference’s first day, a reception party was held with invited advisers and speakers.
The food menu included pork from pigs raised in ideal environments. The meat was generously provided by Mr. Toyoshita, the representative from Porkland Group who had given a talk in Workshop III. Also on the menu was wild Tamba deer meat (an ‘effective meat usage product’) provided by Tamba Hime Momiji, and other dishes using organic vegetables. Guests clearly enjoyed good food and good conversation.
As the guests were leaving afterwards, several people commented to the effect that ‘This is such a meaningful event - I would love to offer my help.’ And we were very touched and encouraged by such comments. It is not very common for specialists and academics from such different – yet related - fields to gather in one place but at this reception, leading authorities of Japan from various fields were able to share real quality time together. We believe that this will contribute to the advancement of human animal bonds in the future.


Stewed black pork (Japanese vinegar flavor).		Deer meat with mustard sauce.


Speakers from Overseas (from.left Ms. BURNS, Ms. LUCK, Dr. RHOADES, Dr. CLINE）		Conference Advisers (from.left Prof. UEMURA, Dr. SHIBANAI, Dr. TAMAI, Dr. YAMAGUCHI, Ms. YAMAZAKI）

On the Day　–　Exhibition

At the Exhibition Hall, companies and organizations active in a variety of fields – ranging from pets, industrial animals to wild animals - participated.
Visitors enjoyed walking around the exhibition booths and eagerly hearing new information and product explanations.

→Venue Layout (pdf)

Within the open stage area (event space) located at the very center of the Exhibition Hall, there was a full day long program of events and activities such as dog sports demonstrations for the enjoyment of both dogs and people, working dog demonstrations, house dog training demonstrations, games for pet dogs and owners, and a fashion show of functional and comfortable canine clothing (cut and stitched three dimensionally for allergy prevention).

Dog Fashion Show Participants

Game Participants

Main Stage Program

In the Dining Court area, both wild meat (effective use products) and meat from animals raised in caring environments were cooked into delicious dishes. There were also beverage stalls from local Kobe vendors to enjoy.

Pet dogs were allowed into the venue, but owners were asked to dress them in ‘manner’ pants.
In places of common usage such as collective housing and public facilities (e.g. cafés), toilet issues are an important concern. By having animals wear such ‘manner’ pants, owners do not have to worry and the other people around them can also relax. So a good time can be enjoyed by all.

At the entrance area, courtesy manner pants were handed out free of charge (to any owner who had not brought their own) through the generosity of Daiichi Eizai Co. Additionally, within the Exhibition Hall, cleaning corners were set up just in case of accidents and all owners were asked for their cooperation.

Since this was the first time for this exhibition event, several issues arose that need to be solved for the next time. Nevertheless, there were kind words from exhibitors. We were pleased to hear such comments as ‘we think there are things we can do so please invite us again.’

We hope to hold this exhibition and conference once every two years to help activate the animal care industry, and we aim to further develop this event with everybody’s help.


Cleaning corner. Good Will Co., Ltd. / Saraya Co., LTD.	Manner pants handed out. Daiichi Eizai Co., Ltd.

On the Day　–　Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was held as the final part of the two-day international conference and exhibition program.
The conference was made possible with the support of many people. These people were recognized and acknowledged at the closing ceremony by being called up to the stage and introduced.

We are most grateful to our sponsors, supporting corporations and organizations, individuals and those generous subsidy-giving organizations that provided ‘manner’ products and sanitary goods. Thank you all very much.　
→Supporters

People Supporting the Event

At the end of the ceremony, all the advisers who supported the realization of this conference from the earliest preparations gave comments followed by a message from Mr, Murabayashi of Nestle Purina Japan who has been a continuous supporter.

Mr. Minao MURABAYASHI,
Company President Nestle Purina PetCare

　Mr. Murabayashi first thanked everyone who came to the conference for their understanding of the objectives. Mr. Murabayashi said ‘We have been developing products to aim for the physical and mental well-being of the pets with N(nutrition), H(health) and W(wellness) in mind. Our company philosophy of wishing to make a social contribution for pets matches exactly with the ideology of this conference’. He concluded his message by thanking all the organizations, doctors and speakers, and all the participants.

This was the first time for this conference. And we would like to sincerely thank all the people who gave us their warm support and for the wealth of cooperation we also received.

From the speakers we received comments such as ‘By participating in this conference, we could hear opinions froｍ different standpoints and learn that everyone has their own concerns and problems. It was really good to take part in it. Thank you.’ And also several people said ‘if I can be of any use, I would like to offer my help.’ There were many participants who already wish to take part in the next conference as well.

It is hoped that we will hold this conference every two years.
The dates for the next conference have been decided.
They are: Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of February, 2012.

PR REPORT

Let us join our strengths, resources and hearts together to make the next conference a great success.
We look forward to seeing you all again in two years time.