This week's column deals with two queries that highlight cultural differences in attitudes to animal welfare.

First up, JJ from the U.S. contacted Lifelines after visiting one of the "owl cafes" that have mushroomed all over Japan in the past year or two. The basic premise is that customers pay a fee to enter and interact with the owls for a set period of time. This usually involves stroking the birds and having them sit on your gloved hand. Drink and food services may also be available, depending on the shop. These owl cafes have received a lot of media attention, both domestically and abroad, and seem to be quite popular with foreign tourists. JJ writes:

There is an owl exhibit where people can go see and touch live owls that are chained to their perches. These owls seem very unhappy in this place. They are unable to get away because their legs are chained and are forced to let people touch them whether they like it or not. It seemed very inhumane and we left there feeling sad and upset for the owls being held captive.