The current Act generally prohibits animal testing on any animal that serves or has served a person or the State, such as guide dogs for people with disabilities, and any lost or abandoned animal. Experimentation on such animals is permitted only when it concerns the health of the species concerned, disease control, research, etc., and when its relevance has been recognized via deliberation by the animal testing ethics committee.
As illustrated by the recent use of service dogs in animal testing at a veterinary college, however, relevance reviews of animal testing and other provisions on animal testing ethics are not being observed. The animals are not being managed in an appropriate manner, and service animals are not being humanely treated.
Accordingly, the Amendment prescribes that matters concerning the management of detection dogs and other service animals shall be included and formulated in the comprehensive plan for the welfare of animals. It prescribes provisions concerning the management of service animals, thereby aiming to enhance the welfare of guide dogs for people with disabilities, detection dogs, and other service animals (Article 4, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2, item C and Article 22-2 newly inserted, etc.).

Obligate persons engaging in animal testing to report to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the frequency of animal testing, number of laboratory animals used, means of acquisition, and other matters specified by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Article 22-2, paragraph 7); prohibit animal testing conducted on service animals or lost or abandoned animals (including animals under protective measures) (Article 24, subparagraphs 1 and 2)