In some cases, research using laboratory animals is indispensable in the pursuit of life sciences and the development of medicines that contribute to human and animal health, and the results obtained from laboratory animals contribute greatly to the maintenance of human and animal health. On the other hand, animal experimentation involves sacrifices to animals, and therefore, those who engage in animal experimentation are

• Law Concerning the Welfare and Management of Animals
• Standards for the Care and Keeping of Laboratory Animals and the Alleviation of Pain and Suffering
• Guidelines for the Proper Conduct of Animal Experiments
• Basic Guidelines for the Conduct of Animal Experiments, etc. at Administrative Organs under the Jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Basic Guidelines for the Conduct of Animal Experiments, etc. at Research Institutes, etc. under the Jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
• Basic Guidelines for the Conduct of Animal Experiments, etc. at Research Institutes, etc.

The animal experiment must be conducted in accordance with the 3Rs (Replacement [use of alternative methods], Reduction [reduction in the number of animals used], and Refinement [refinement of animal experimentation with the aim of improving animal welfare]), while respecting the principles of animal welfare in each country. The following are the principles that must be respected in the care and custody of experimental animals and in the conduct of experiments