Japanese Raccoon Dog: Why is Tanuki Illegal in the US?

The Japanese raccoon dog, also called tanuki, has often been a subject of fascination and mystery since its appearance resembles that of a raccoon.

However, the tanuki in fact belongs to the family Canidae, whose members include domestic dogs, foxes, wolves, and other wild dogs.

Due to their genetic background, these four-legged, furry mammals are not related at all to raccoons, which belong to the family Procyonidae that is native to North America.

Being wild animals, Japanese raccoon dogs are not considered domesticated pets, and wildlife experts in Japan state that most tanukis are not suitable to live with humans.

Native to China, Korea, and Japan, the raccoon-like dogs have also captivated the hearts of many internationally and even the internet, including those living in the United States.

However, despite being an online sensation, tanukis are illegal to be kept as pets in every U.S. state.

Why is Tanuki Illegal in the US?

Reports back in July indicated that there are only at least four raccoon dogs in the US, wherein tanuki ownership, as well as the import and selling of them, are 100% illegal.

As mentioned earlier, illegal ownership of tanukis stems not only because of existing laws and policies surrounding the wild animal but also, because they have a notorious track record of being an invasive species.

This means that this canid that is native to East Asia is not one's typical dog family member. Experts have pointed out several times that tanukis do not blend well in a household.

Furthermore, reports earlier this year say that tanukis have also entered different parts of Europe, where they are considered an invasive, non-native species.

Just like in other countries, the selling and ownership of Japanese raccoon dogs are also illegal in the United Kingdom.

The country's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) state that the tanuki is not suitable as a pet since their needs will not be sufficed in a typical household.

The RSPCA provides some of the following reasons that raccoon dogs cannot be a family pet (as one might think):

They are extremely smelly since they use scent to communicate with other tanukis.
They are difficult to monitor.
They need space and this is because they have large home ranges in the wild.
Existing laws prohibit breeding, rehoming, keeping, and selling raccoon dogs since they threaten native wildlife.

Also Read: Illegal Wildlife Trade: Canada Bans Trade of Elephant Ivory, Rhino Horn

What are Japanese Raccoon Dogs?

The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) has served as a cultural icon in Japanese folklore for centuries before they became known in popular cultures, such as in Nintendo video games and Studio Ghibli movies.

Aside from their unique appearance, common raccoon dogs that are found in mainland East Asia are the only canines or members of the canid family to hibernate to prepare for winter.

However, despite the majestic features of the tanukis, they have suffered from being hunted and sold in the past for their fur.