Forensic veterinary examination within the framework of the criminal code of the Russian Federation

Forensic veterinary examination is an integral part of law enforcement practice in criminal cases concerning the treatment of animals and animal-derived products. It provides a scientific and objective basis for establishing the facts of the case, thereby assisting the investigation and the court in the correct legal qualification of the act and the delivery of a just judgment pursuant to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.. The relevance of systematizing and synthesizing material regarding forensic veterinary expertise within criminal proceedings stems from an objective contradiction: there is a growing demand in law enforcement practice for specialized knowledge, yet the existing normative-legal and methodological support for this activity remains fragmented. The absence of a unified regulatory document and standardized methodologies leads to procedural uncertainty, reduces the methodological rigor of expert examinations, and creates prerequisites for the formation of heterogeneous investigative and judicial practices. Society demonstrates an increased interest in issues of humane animal treatment, which is directly reflected in the statistics of reports to law enforcement agencies regarding acts stipulated by Article 245 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Furthermore, veterinary expertise is in demand during the investigation of economic crimes (Articles 256 and 258 of the Criminal Code) and civil disputes concerning the quality of veterinary services. Without engaging specialized knowledge, establishing the truth in these cases becomes impossible.