Opening of the Animal Law

On December 15, 2023, Maqsut Narikbayev University held the official opening of the Animal Law Center, established within the framework of the School of Administrative and German Law. The new center is aimed at researching, protecting, and promoting animal rights in Kazakhstan through scientific projects, analytical studies, and public initiatives. Chairman of the Board of Maqsut Narikbayev University, Talgat Narikbayev, speaking at the opening, noted: “Animals cannot protect themselves, so they need our help. Like us, they should have the right to live, and we must care for them.” These words reflect the mission of the Center — to contribute to the creation of a society in which the rights of animals are not only recognized but also ensured at the legislative level. The Center brings together scholars, practicing lawyers, experts, and animal rights advocates, striving to humanize society through the development of responsible and conscious attitudes toward animals. At the time of its opening, the Animal Law Center had already begun implementing several key projects, including: legal regulation of the use of animals for cultural and entertainment purposes, ensuring veterinary and sanitary safety, legal aspects of hunting tourism, legal responsibility for cruelty to animals, improvement of conditions for stray animals in shelters, and public education on responsible treatment of animals. Each of these projects represents an important step toward developing effective mechanisms for animal protection and improving legislation aimed at strengthening humane treatment of living nature and fostering a culture of responsibility in society.