FIGHTING ANIMAL CRUELTY IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE IN THE 2ND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY (historical and legal aspect)

Despite the lack of a developed regulatory framework in the field of animal treatment in the Russian Empire in the 2nd half of the 19th century society matured an understanding of the need to pose and resolve this problem. Using the example of Nizhny Novgorod Department of the Russian Society for Animal Welfare, the authors consider various measures aimed at protecting agricultural and domestic animals in Nizhny Novgorod, ways to spread the ideas of humane treatment of animals and improving their living conditions among the general public. Special attention is paid to the study of such areas of the department’s activities as combating the unsatisfactory condition of slaughterhouses, taking measures to capture and keep stray dogs, overseeing the treatment of animals at fairs and other places of trade, regulating the transportation of small livestock and the exploitation of horses. The results of the fruitful work of this organisation in the field of responsible animal management are presented. The rich experience of Nizhny Novgorod Department of the Russian Society for Animal Welfare, accompanied by real positive changes in the field of animal rights, can be used by legislators at the present stage in regulating charitable and volunteer activities of animal protection organisations, in improving the legal regulation of animal transportation, veterinary legislation and regulation of other public relations, the object of which includes the treatment of animals.