Animal Protection Act.

The purpose of this Act is to encourage a national sentiment of respecting life and to contribute to the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals by promoting the protection of animal life, guaranteeing safety and welfare of animals, and fostering a healthy and responsible culture of raising animals. In particular, article 3 establishes that any person who raises, manages, or protects animals shall comply with the following principles: 1. To allow animals to live normally while maintaining their original habits and body shape; 2. To ensure that animals do not suffer from thirst, hunger, or lack of nutrition; 3. To ensure that animals can express normal behavior and do not experience discomfort; 4. To make animals free from pain, injury, and disease; 5. To keep animals from experiencing fear and stress. Article 5 establishes the Animal Welfare Committee within the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to provide advices on the matters listed in this article. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall formulate and implement a comprehensive animal welfare plan (art.6).
The Act further makes provisions for: prohibition of animal abuse; transportation of animals; method of slaughtering animals; registration of animals subject to registration; animal testing; certification of animal welfare livestock farms; permission for companion animal business; penalties; etc.