World Animal Protection (WAP) investigated the trend of otters being used in pet cafes in Japan in 2018 and 2019.

The clip, filmed in December 2018, shows WAP visiting several otter cafes in Japan to investigate whether these animals were being ill-treated.

World Animal Protection explained to Newsflare: "In 2018 and 2019, World Animal Protection investigated the emerging trend of otters being stolen from the wild and used in the exotic pet trade.

"In recent years, Japan has experienced an 'otter craze' fuelled partly by celebrities. Otters in Japan can be extremely expensive (around $10,000) which creates a huge price gap between South-East Asian countries, and a high potential for trafficking," they continued.

Visitors at these cafes are able to pet, play and take photographs with the otters. The cafes often offer very little natural enrichment and the animals experience continuous human interaction.

As a result of this investigation, the cities hosting these cafes agreed to provide more protection for the animals they have.

In 2018 and 2019, World Animal Protection investigated the emerging trend of otters being stolen from the wild and used in the exotic pet trade. In recent years, Japan has experienced an 'otter craze' fuelled partly by celebrities. Otters in Japan can be extremely expensive (around $10,000) which creates a huge price gap between South-East asian countries, and a high potential for trafficking.

This investigation footage shows two pet 'cafes' which have become a popular trend in Japan. Visitors are able to pet, play, and take photographs with the otters. The cafes often offer very little natural enrichment and the animals experience continuous human interaction.