With the coronavirus pandemic restricting human interaction, pet ownership has shot up in Japan as people hunger for companionship in stressful times.

But some animal rights groups warn that the surge could be setting up a dire situation for many of the newly bought pets once peoples' lives return to normal and less time is spent at home.

One 47-year-old man who works in Tokyo, his wife, and his fourth-grade son often strike up conversations with other dog owners while walking Cookie, a beagle who became a member of their family around six months ago.