CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AND MEASURES OF ITS SUPPRESSION IN THE MODERN RUSSIAN SOCIETY

ABSTRACT

This article is devoted to the analysis of current problems of cruel treatment of animals and responsibility for such offenses. The paper considers aspects of fur production, inhumane legal use of animals, as well as positive experience of foreign countries in the field of humane treatment of animals. As a result of the study, measures to combat cruelty to animals in modern Russian society are proposed.

Keywords: cruelty to animals, measures to suppress cruelty, legal cruelty, humane treatment of animals, fur farms.

Cruelty is not only a moral and psychological characteristic of personality, but also a social and psychological phenomenon manifested in inhumane and rude treatment of living beings, inflicting pain on them and encroaching on their lives. This problem is becoming more and more urgent, as animal cruelty continues to be the norm for many people [5].

To date, animal cruelty has manifested itself in various forms, including the legitimate use of animals in the fashion and entertainment industries. For example, fur coats and leather goods are still in demand despite the fact that there are many alternatives that do not require the torturous death of innocent creatures. Not only is fur farming in Russia not properly regulated, but it continues to thrive despite the ethical, environmental and moral arguments against it.

Fur production is not a necessity of life. Modern synthetic materials are superior to natural fur in many respects, including thermal insulation and lightness. At the same time, the process of fur dressing is accompanied by the use of toxic substances that are harmful to the environment and the health of workers.

Most of the consumers of fur products do not know anything about the underside of natural fur production. Animals raised on fur farms are kept in terrible conditions in cramped cages on a slatted floor, in a state of constant stress. In the summer, the cages are turned into ovens and 10% of the animals die from the heat. These animals are killed brutally. One way is by passing an electric current through the anus or genitals. They are gassed, poisoned and paralyzed, their cervical vertebrae and skulls are fractured, and they are strangled. Sometimes they are stunned and skinned while still alive. They fight, and even when they are skinned, they try to defend themselves. Their breathing, heartbeat, and eyelid movements are visible for 5-10 minutes [3]. Producers using the poison assure that they die quickly and painlessly, but under the influence of the injection, the animals are only unable to move, but continue to see, hear and feel everything. They die in agony, gasping for breath until their heart stops.

Conditions on fur farms are often appalling, with animals living in cramped cages, under constant stress and subjected to cruel treatment. The manner in which they are slaughtered ranges from electric shock to poisoning, raising serious moral and ethical questions.

While fur farming has already been banned in some countries, such as Croatia and the UK, the practice is still legal in Russia. The need for similar laws in our country is becoming more and more evident.

Circuses, dolphinariums and zoos are also becoming objects of criticism. Despite the existence of laws that are supposed to protect animals, facts of cruel treatment remain commonplace, and many people continue to accept these “entertainments” as the norm. Animals are often mistreated during performances, which leaves audiences bewildered and judgmental.

It also makes sense to refer to the Federal Law of 27.12.2018 N 498-FZ “On Responsible Treatment of Animals” [1]. Art. 12. of this law states that: 1. Propaganda of cruel treatment of animals, as well as calls for cruel treatment of animals is prohibited. 2. It is prohibited to produce, make, show and distribute film, video and photo materials, printed materials, audiovisual products propagandizing cruel treatment of animals, to place such materials and products in information and telecommunication networks (including the Internet) and to carry out other actions propagandizing cruel treatment of animals

In order to address the problem of animal cruelty in Russia, a number of measures need to be introduced:

1. Replacing traditional circuses with animals with shows based on human talent, such as acrobatics and gymnastics.

2. Closing zoos and moving toward creating sanctuaries or interactive zoos where animals can live in more natural settings.

3. Raising public awareness of animal cruelty issues through social campaigns and documentaries.

4. Personal involvement of everyone in refusing to visit circuses and dolphinariums so as not to support this cruel industry.

Cruelty to animals will continue until strong legislative action is taken and society realizes that the value of animal life is equal to the value of human life. We need to change our attitudes and behavior to create a more humane environment for all living beings.

References:

1. On the Animal World: Federal Law of 24.04.1995 N 52-FZ (ed. of 24.04.2020) // URL: http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_6542/a71292bb6b c702e5613524dec6e48a63a9b7b49a/ (date of circulation: 11.11.2020).
2. On the responsible treatment of animals and on amending certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation: Federal Law of 27.12.2018 № 498-FZ (ed. of 27.12.2019) // Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 29.12.2018. № 295. 3. Ban fur farming in Russia / Russian public initiative № 21F 39215. Initiative level: Federal.// https://www.roi.ru/39215/ (date of address: 11.11.2020).
3. Kitaeva V. N. Some aspects of countering cruel treatment of animals // All-Russian criminological journal. 2016. Т. 10. № 3. С. 568-578
4. With love to animals / Human Ecology. Regional public organization with care for people. // URL: ecozoo.ru/zhestokostk-zhivotny-m/ (date of address: 11.11.2020)
5. Rudenko A.V. Legal responsibility for environmental offenses // Innovatsionnaya nauka. 2018. № 12. С. 131-134. UDC 34.09 Author: Chiygoz M.R., 2nd year, KrF FGBOU VO “RGUP” Simferopol, Russia chiygozm@ gmail.com +79785908357 Supervisor: Volkov V.Y., Associate Professor of the Department of Administrative and Financial Law KrF FGBOU VO “RGUP” Simferopol, Russia