OSAKA (TR) – Police in Osaka City have arrested a 34-year-old animal dealer for illegally keeping dangerous wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and snapping turtles, at his store without the required government permits, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Sep. 28).
Soma Satomi, who operates the animal shop SS Shouten in Higashiyodogawa Ward, was taken into custody on suspicion of violating the Animal Welfare and Management Law.
Acting on a tip-off from another prefectural police force, officers raided Satomi’s store on September 1. During the search, investigators discovered two saltwater crocodiles and 23 snapping turtles being kept on the premises without authorization.
Under Japanese law, saltwater crocodiles are designated as “specified animals” due to the extreme danger they pose to humans. Snapping turtles are heavily restricted as a “specified alien species.” Keeping either species requires strict permits from national or local authorities, which Satomi had failed to obtain.
Upon his arrest, Satomi fully admitted to the allegations. “I kept them knowing it was illegal,” the suspect told investigators.
Police are now investigating the suspect’s trafficking routes to determine exactly how he acquired the dangerous animals.
