Expediency of criminal law regulation of circulation of medicinal products for veterinary use

Introduction: the article deals with specific issues of criminal liability for illegal circulation of medicines for veterinary use, the provisions of article 2351 and 2381 of the Criminal Code, explores the concept of «drugs» which includes drugs for treatment of humans and animals. Various positions are considered regarding the interpretation of the subject of the crimes in issue. Materials and Methods: the normative basis of the research is formed by the generally recognized principles and norms of international law, criminal legislation, as well as local regulations governing the circulation of medicines. The conclusions and provisions are also based on the law enforcement practice and the position of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. The methodological basis of the research was the general dialectical method of scientific knowledge, which has a universal character, as well as methods of logical deduction, induction, cognitive methods and techniques of observation, comparison, analysis, generalization and description. Results of the Study: allowed clarifying certain provisions related to the subject of crimes connected with illegal circulation of medicines, to disclose the meaning of «medicinal product» and to establish the appropriateness of including the subject matter of the crimes of medicines for veterinary use. Findings and Conclusions: it was noted that criminal law regulation of illegal circulation of veterinary medicines along with human medicines is not appropriate. It is proved that in order to clarify the disposition of article 2381 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, medicines must be understood only as medicines intended for humans, not including medicines for veterinary use in the subject of this article.