. >> translator: i heard of cases of euthansia and i came to see what these dogs are like instead of going to a pet shop. >> reporter: the animal protection center is responsible for all parts of the prefecture except the major cities. the shelter cares for about 50 dogs and 20 cats. a third of the animals are here because their owners passed away or became too old to take care of them. centers like this still put down abandoned animals after a period set by each municipality. but here most of the pets come here for care. one of the groups is called animal protection. they often take in old and sick dogs. this dog was left after her owner died. the dog was already in poor health. they get check ups at discounted rates. this dog was riddled with fleas. the group says the commission of these dogs suggest they may have had years of neglect. after the check up it's time for a trim. the groomer helps the group by providing the service for free. it took half a day to clean up these dogs. days later the dogs were brought to a foster home. this woman takes care of 13 dogs. eventually the ani