Comparative Law Study of Criminal Law Regulations Regarding Domestic Animal Abuse Cases in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is one of the countries with the lowest ratings for animal welfare issues, even compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. Lack of deterrent from existing legal instruments and criminal punishments are major factors contributing to this problem. The aim of this study is to analyze and examine criminal law policies in Indonesia regarding domestic animal abuse using comparisons with other countries such as in Southeast Asia. The research using legal comparison results that the current regulations for abuses of domestic animals in Indonesia are inadequate in serving as effective deterrents and preventive measures against cases of domestic animal abuse. The existing criminal laws, including the recent reform in the Criminal Code 1/2023, do not adequately address animal welfare concerns, resulting in minimal threat of criminal sanctions and lack classifications for domestic animals pertaining to animal abuse.