Abstract:
Background: In Kazakhstan, until recently, issues regarding the responsible and humane
treatment of animals were unregulated. The first law, “On Responsible Treatment of Animals,”
was adopted in 2021, defining the place of animals in the system of public relations and
guaranteeing their protection. However, the law includes an exception regarding the slaughter
of animals during religious ceremonies, which has caused discussions and disputes between
public organisations for the protection of animals and religious communities. Impressive results
of balancing animal welfare with religious freedom can be found in the EU. This article
conducts a comparative legal study of Kazakh and some EU Member State legislations with
regard to religious slaughter.
Methods: This study employed various methodologies, utilising both theoretical and empirical
approaches. These methodologies encompassed the comparative legal method, which allowed
the authors to analyse and research foreign experience in animal rights protection to pinpoint
the most important features applicable to Kazakh legislation.
Statistical data was also collected to identify patterns and trends. Based on this, a forecast
was made indicating a growing population, thereby suggesting an increase in animal
consumption and utilisation. Therefore, this article on the protection of animal rights is a
timely and relevant study.
Moreover, the authors conducted an analysis of specific cases from foreign countries, aiding in
the identification of the features and challenges of law enforcement practice.
The dialectical method was central to examining the research problem. It enabled the
identification of contradictions and interrelationships between classical and religious
methods of mortification.
Results and Conclusions: Based on the study’s results, several practical proposals are put
forward to eliminate or regularise the existing legislative derogation in respect of religious
slaughter. The present contribution concludes that the Kazakh legal framework on animal
rights protection has shortcomings that require improvements by enshrining specific methods
of animal slaughtering, which can be drawn on European experience.
