This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory framework governing the activities of public associations in the field of animal welfare in the Russian Federation. The author examines the main legislative acts defining the legal status of animal rights organizations, their rights and obligations, as well as key problems of law enforcement practice. Special attention is paid to the intersectoral nature of regulation, combining the norms of civil, administrative, environmental and criminal law. The article explores gaps and conflicts in the current legislation, in particular, in the Federal Law "On Responsible Treatment of Animals", and suggests directions for its improvement. It is concluded that it is necessary to form an integrated and consistent system of legal regulation of animal protection activities in Russia.

The article identifies several critical challenges stemming from the current legal framework. These include: 1) unclear delineation of powers between different levels of government, leading to inaction; 2) the undefined legal status of "volunteers," leaving them vulnerable to accusations of theft or unlawful capture; 3) financial instability due to a lack of systematic state support, making NGOs reliant on private donations; and 4) legal collisions with other areas of law, where acts of rescuing an animal in distress may be formally classified as administrative offenses.

The conclusion emphasizes the fragmented and contradictory nature of the legal environment for animal protection groups in Russia. For their work to be effective, further development of the legislation is necessary. This requires detailed by-laws to clarify procedures for public control, clear legal definitions for volunteers, stable mechanisms for financial support, and the creation of a holistic, non-contradictory system that provides real legal tools for civil society to realize the principles of humane animal treatment.