Behind closed doors, thousands of shelter animals still face the terror of Japan’s gas chambers. Dogs and cats in parts of Japan’s public shelter system are still euthanized inside carbon dioxide gas chambers known as “Dream Boxes.” These sealed metal chambers are designed to kill multiple animals at once by pumping in carbon dioxide gas until the animals suffocate. Investigations described dogs howling, clawing at metal walls, trembling, gasping for air, and collapsing during the process. ...

In Eliza’s eyes, it was clear she no longer expected anyone to notice her. We found Eliza at the back of a residential area, near an open ground where children play. She was standing off to the side and did not leave that spot as we approached. Then she walked toward us on her own and let us place a leash on her. Eliza stayed beside us as we walked her away from that area and brought her to our shelter. Our veterinarian examined her and confirmed she was healthy and strong. We offered her...

Freedom finally replaces fear. A woman in Iowa has been sentenced to two years in prison for animal torture after authorities found one dog dead inside a suitcase and another alive in severe neglect. She also received a separate sentence for neglect, but the judge ordered it to run at the same time, so she will serve two years in total. Investigators discovered that the dead dog had tape binding his front paws and a cord wrapped around his neck. The other dog was found alive nearby inside a...