Chapter 1: General Provisions
(Purpose)
Article 1
The purpose of this Law is to prescribe matters relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals, the appropriate treatment of animals and other matters relating to the protection of animals, and to engender a feeling of love for animals among the people, thereby contributing to the development of respect for life and sentiments of amity and peace; and to prescribe matters relating to the control of animals, thereby preventing harm being done by animals to human life, body and property.
(Fundamental Principle)
Article 2
In recognition of the fact that animals are living beings, all people are required not only to refrain from killing, injuring, and inflicting cruelty upon animals, but also to treat animals properly while taking the need for symbiosis between people and animals and the natural habits of animals into account.
(Popularization and Education)
Article 3
With respect to the protection, proper care and keeping of animals, the Government and local public bodies are required to make efforts at popularization and public education concerning the fundamental principle outlined in the preceding article, while attempting to forge mutual linkage between educational activities and public relations activities.
("Be Kind to Animals" Week)
Article 4
1. "Be Kind to Animals" Week shall be established in order to enhance interest and understanding among the people concerning the protection and proper methods of keeping animals as living beings.
2. "Be Kind to Animals" Week shall be from September 20 through 26.
3. During "Be Kind to Animals" Week, the Government and local public bodies are required to hold functions appropriate to the aims of the said week.