There’s a good chance that animal welfare is weaker in autocracies compared to democracies, but it’s not a simple yes or no answer. Despite that balanced beginning, I think you can almost guarantee that in autocracies and dictatorships, animal welfare is poorer than in true, well-established democracies.
I discuss the topic below. For me, there are some central reasons for this difference (1) autocrats are less concerned with animal welfare than the prime ministers of democracies and (2) citizens in democracies have a voice and many of them are concerned with animal welfare, (3) this voice is suppressed in autocracies and (4) they are likely to be indoctrinated in autocracies and (5) they are more likely to have lower living standards in autocracies due to corruption and the stealing of assets by the ruling class, which make it harder for citizens to be concerned about animal welfare.
Some more thoughts:
Trends favoring democracies:
- Public pressure: Democracies tend to be more responsive to public opinion. If there’s a strong public movement for animal welfare, it can lead to stricter laws and better enforcement. There is a general groundswell of movement towards protecting wildlife and the planet. This is likely to be suppressed
- Transparency: Democracies generally have more transparency in government and business practices. This can expose animal cruelty and lead to reforms.
- Individual rights: The concept of individual rights, including for some the idea of extending rights to animals, is more prominent in democracies. The rights of humans are inextricable tied up with animal rights.
- Indoctrination: Autocrats and dictators need to indoctrinate through official media outlets. This deeply affects cultural thinking which is less likely to have a sensitivity towards animal sentience and welfare.
Challenges to consider:
- Cultural factors: Cultural attitudes towards animals can vary greatly, even among democracies. What’s considered acceptable treatment in one place might be seen as cruel in another.
- Economic priorities: In some developing countries, even democracies, economic growth might be prioritized over animal welfare regulations.
- Enforcement: Strong laws aren’t enough. Even democracies can struggle with enforcing animal welfare regulations, especially in rural areas.
Autocratic challenges:
- Limited public influence: Autocracies often have less public pressure for animal welfare reforms.
- Focus on state power: The needs of the state might be prioritized over animal welfare concerns.
- Weaker legal systems: Autocracies may have weaker legal systems and less enforcement of animal protection laws.
Overall:
While there’s no guarantee, democracies tend to have a better track record on animal welfare due to factors like public pressure and transparency. However, cultural attitudes, economic priorities, and enforcement issues can play a role in both democracies and autocracies.
De-prioritize animal welfare
The relationship between government type and animal welfare is complex. However, it is generally observed that autocracies may not prioritize animal welfare as highly as democracies. In autocratic regimes, the focus tends to be on maintaining power and control, often at the expense of social issues, including animal rights. Conversely, democracies, with their emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, may be more inclined to consider the welfare of animals and enact legislation to protect them.
It’s important to note that this is a general trend and there can be exceptions. The effectiveness of animal welfare policies can also depend on other factors such as economic development, cultural values, and public awareness of animal rights issues.
Taking a look
Below I look at one well-established autocracy/dictatorship, namely Russia, and two emerging or new autocracies namely Tunisia and El Salvador in terms of their animal welfare record. I also mention North Korea but not China where there are no animal weflare laws of note. You will see that they need improvement and animal welfare is substantially lower in these countries than in countries like the UK, Sweden and Germany.
Russia – a paradigm example of an autocracy
Animal welfare in Russia has some positive developments but is generally considered poor by international standards. Here’s a breakdown:
Laws and Protections:
- Limited Scope: Russia’s main animal cruelty law focuses on malicious or sadistic acts, not broader welfare concerns. Farmed animals have especially weak legal protections.
- 2018 Law: A 2018 law prohibits killing stray animals and requires proper care for pets, but enforcement can be lacking.
Challenges:
- Stray Animal Populations: Large numbers of stray dogs and cats face hunger, disease, and harsh weather.
- Factory Farming: Intensive farming practices common in many countries are also present in Russia, raising concerns about animal welfare.
- Cultural Attitudes: Traditional views towards animals as working creatures or commodities can influence treatment.
Positive Developments:
- Growing Animal Rights Movement: Public concern about animal welfare is increasing, with growing activism and NGO pressure for reforms.
- TNR Programs: Trap-Neuter-Return programs for feral cats are becoming more common, offering a humane approach to stray population control.
Overall:
Russia has a long way to go in terms of animal welfare. While there are positive signs like the growing animal rights movement, weak legislation, large stray populations, and factory farming practices raise concerns.
Another look at Russia and animal welfare
Animal welfare in Russia has seen some legislative developments, but there are still significant challenges. The country has recognized animal sentience in legislation and has laws against causing animal suffering. However, the enforcement of these laws is not always effective, and issues such as the large number of homeless cats and dogs indicate ongoing problems2.
In 2021, President Vladimir Putin signed instructions aimed at promoting responsible relationships toward animals, including measures for pet records, monitoring stray animals, and encouraging voluntary sterilization and vaccination. Despite these efforts, the Federal Law “On the Responsible Treatment of Animals” has been criticized for its ineffectiveness, with a low number of registered violations of animal cruelty laws compared to other countries.
Overall, while there is some recognition of animal welfare and efforts to improve it, the practical application and enforcement of these laws remain areas where further progress is needed.
What’s it like for animal welfare in North Korea?
Animal welfare in North Korea is a complex issue with limited available data. Reports suggest that there are significant challenges, including a lack of comprehensive animal protection laws and enforcement. For example, there have been instances where pet dogs were confiscated in the capital, Pyongyang, as they were seen as a symbol of Western decadence. In popular culture, animals are often depicted as soulless creatures, primarily valued as guards, mice catchers, or a source of protein rather than as companions.
RELATED: North Korea is hell on Earth for cats and dogs
Furthermore, while there is some information on the wildlife in North Korea, such as the presence of endangered species, the overall state of animal welfare and protection is not well-documented due to the country’s closed-off nature.
It’s important to note that the information available is limited and may not fully represent the current situation due to the secretive nature of the regime in North Korea.
What is animal welfare like in Tunisia?
Tunisia is described by The Times as a new autocracy.
Animal welfare in Tunisia is a complex issue with both positive efforts and areas needing improvement. Here’s a breakdown:
Challenges:
- Stray Animal Populations: Tunisia has a significant population of stray dogs and cats, often facing hunger, disease, and dangers from traffic or people.
- Limited Resources: Animal shelters and rescue organizations often struggle with limited funding and capacity.
- Cultural Attitudes: Traditional views towards animals as working animals or not needing special care can influence treatment.
Positive Developments:
- Animal Welfare Groups: Dedicated animal rescue groups like SOS Animaux Tunisie and RANA (Rescue Animals of North Africa) work tirelessly to care for strays and promote adoption.
- International Support: Organizations like SPANA provide veterinary care for working animals and educate communities about animal welfare.
- Legislation: Tunisia has begun developing some animal welfare legislation, like the 2018 law requiring municipalities to create stray dog control centers with a focus on sterilization.
Uncertainties:
- Enforcement: The effectiveness of new legislation depends on enforcement, which can be a challenge.
- Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare is ongoing.
Overall:
Animal welfare in Tunisia faces significant challenges, but there are dedicated individuals and organizations working for improvement. New legislation and growing public awareness offer hope for the future, but enforcement and cultural shifts will be crucial.
What is animal welfare like in El Salvador another new autocracy?
El Salvador’s situation regarding animal welfare is similar to other developing countries, with some progress but considerable room for improvement. Here’s a look at both sides:
Challenges:
- Large Stray Populations: El Salvador has a significant number of stray dogs and cats facing hunger, disease, and dangers like traffic accidents.
- Limited Resources: Animal shelters and rescue organizations often have limited funding and capacity to care for these animals.
- Cultural Attitudes: Traditional views of animals as working creatures or not needing special care can influence treatment.
- Enforcement: Existing animal welfare laws may not be effectively enforced.
Signs of Progress:
- Legislation: El Salvador has a Law for the Protection and Promotion of Companion Animal Welfare passed in 2017. This includes provisions for a national policy, public education, and a ban on dogfighting.
- Rescue Organizations: Dedicated groups like El Santuario de Animales and Milagros de Amor work on rescuing animals, providing veterinary care, spaying/neutering, and promoting adoption.
- Growing Public Awareness: There’s a growing movement advocating for animal welfare, with public support for responsible pet ownership and better treatment of animals.
Overall:
El Salvador is taking steps towards improved animal welfare, but challenges remain. Limited resources, cultural attitudes, and enforcement issues require continued efforts.
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