Shumilo O. Criminological characteristics and prevention of animal abuse

The current research focuses on animal abuse, its criminological nature, the solving of complex theoretical and applied problems related to preventing this negative social phenomenon. The paper provides definition of animal abuse, clarifies its typical features and shapes, along with the analysis of the current scientific development of the indicated problem. The state, dynamics, trends and the latency level of animal abuse are determined based on quantitative and qualitative indicators. The personality of animal abuser has been researched according to basic socio-demographic, moral, psychological, role-playing and criminal legal traits.