Legal Protection of Farmed Animals

Every year, around 2.8 billion terrestrial animals are exploited in Russia’s livestock industry. These include cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, ducks, minks, foxes, martens, raccoon dogs, and others.

They are capable of feeling pain and suffering, just like other beings, yet they are not legally protected from cruelty. Federal Law No. 498 “On Responsible Treatment of Animals” does not apply to farmed animals (Article 1.2). Article 245 of the Russian Criminal Code “Cruelty to Animals” only provides penalties if the actions were committed with hooligan or mercenary intent. Sanitary and veterinary regulations are designed to protect human safety, not animal welfare.

We advocate for legislation that protects farmed animals from cruelty and ensures their welfare.

This legal gap allows producers to use farming practices that cause animals suffering throughout their entire lives, including:

Cramped cages and pens that prevent movement
Painful surgical procedures without anesthesia
Overcrowding, injuries, stress, diseases, and lack of veterinary care
Deprivation of food, water, and shelter
Stench and lack of fresh air
Violence from farm workers
Agonizing transport and slaughter

More About the Issue

Low animal welfare is not only a source of suffering for animals, but also poses risks of spreading dangerous infections among humans and contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is recognized as one of the major global public health challenges.

We advocate for legislation that protects farmed animals from cruelty and ensures their welfare.

More About the Issue

What We Do

Developing and Promoting Legislative Initiatives

Inclusion of farmed animals in Federal Law No. 498 “On Responsible Treatment of Animals”. This would recognize them as sentient beings and require less cruel treatment

Proposals to improve veterinary regulations:

Rabbit farming standards. Some of our proposals have been adopted, improving conditions for around 7 million rabbits annually.
Poultry farming standards
Fur farm regulations
Animal transport regulations
Slaughter regulations

Building Support for Our Initiatives

Exposing animal suffering by collecting and publishing materials from factory farms
Running petition campaigns
Engaging in dialogue with authorities and collaborating with the media
Bringing in experts in veterinary science, economics, and law
Presenting research at conferences and forums
Uniting allies

Initiating Investigations into Cruelty in Animal Agriculture

By exposing cases of cruelty, we raise awareness and build evidence for the need to change laws.
Between 2021 and 2024, we filed 25 requests for criminal investigations under Article 245 of the Russian Criminal Code (Cruelty to Animals), including cases involving animal deaths. Not a single person was held accountable.

Conducting Research to Develop Science-Based Solutions for Improving Farmed Animal Welfare

How to Help

We welcome collaboration with government representatives, businesses, nonprofits, and concerned citizens. We are also seeking experts in law, livestock economics, veterinary medicine, and farmed animal welfare.