On the issue of subject of the crime under article 245 of the Criminal Code

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the characteristics of the perpetrators committing crimes under Art. 245 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, on the basis of generalization of materials of judicial practice and scientific positions of specialists in the field of criminal law. Methodology: General and special (comparative, system-structural, method of sociological analysis of materials of criminal cases) scientific methods were used. Results: The paper discusses the controversial issues related to the subject of the crime under Art. 245 of the Criminal Code. The age and socio-psychological characteristics of those who commit cruel acts against animals are investigated. The opinions of scientists related to this subject are analyzed as well. Novelty/originality/value: The paper has a high scientific value and carries great practical significance. The provisions contained in the paper can be used to improve the current criminal legislation of the Russian Federation, to develop new clarifications of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, in the process of defining cruelty towards animals.