Under the revision, a fine of 300,000 won (US$258) for the first infraction, 500,000 won for the second and 1 million won for the third will be imposed if minors violate the new regulations on animal testing. (image: Konkuk University)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — In the future, minors will be allowed to practice animal dissection only under certain exceptional circumstances, and fines will be imposed on those who violate this directive.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Sunday announced a revision to the enforcement ordinance that sets the standard for levying fines ahead of the implementation of a revised Animal Protection Law that includes such information.
Under the revision, a fine of 300,000 won (US$258) for the first infraction, 500,000 won for the second and 1 million won for the third will be imposed if minors violate the new regulations on animal testing.
The revision also includes strengthening the operation standards of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA), which reviews animal testing in advance.
Currently, the APQA is required to include at least one veterinarian, but they are allowed to approve the review without actually attending the meeting.
The revised enforcement ordinance requires at least one veterinarian to attend a meeting to deliberate on animal testing plans.
Regulations have also been added that require the hiring of administrative professionals to support the ethics committee’s review.
The scope of the animal testing agency will be expanded to allow international organizations conducting animal tests on Korean soil to impose obligations under the Animal Protection Law.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
