Hamster killer: Japan man arrested twice over deaths of 50 furry creatures

TOKYO, Sept 1 — Japanese police have arrested a 36-year-old high school teacher on two separate occasions for the killing of 50 hamsters at "love hotels," short-stay lodging meant for couples. According to Hiroyuki Nasu, a senior police official in Miyako, Iwate, the man teamed up with two different women on each occasion and allegedly committed the animal killings, a violation of animal protection laws.

The first arrest came in July, following the death of 20 hamsters in February, carried out with a 19-year-old woman. The main suspect was also apprehended on Monday for the killing of 30 hamsters in late March, carried out in collusion with a 20-year-old woman. Police seized the suspect's smartphone, which contained videos of the killings and text messages showing the pair plotting the act.

One such message read, "Where are we going to kill the hamsters and have fun?" The suspect faced additional investigation as police examined whether he may have committed other similar acts.