Although Tsunayoshi had no heir, he refused demands to abolish the law and in his last moments he begged "At least keep the law for protection of cruelty to animals."
継嗣がいなかったとは言え、綱吉はこの廃止要求を拒絶し、死の間際にも「生類憐みの令だけは世に残してくれ」と告げた。