The Usage of Visum et Repertum (VeR) as A Scientific Evidence in Animal Abuse according to The perspective of The Penal Code (KUHP) and The Law of Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) in Indonesia

摘要

Presently, the number of animal abuse cases in Indonesia is increasing but lacks sufficient attention by the public and law enforcement. This situation can be attributed to the lack of understanding of scientific investigation in relation to the evidence in cases of animal abuse. This paradigm often means that the perpetrators escape criminal sanctions, even though the Indonesian Government has provided protection for animal welfare which is regulated in the Penal Code (KUHP) in article 302. The purpose of this study was to describe the functions of Visum et Repertum (VeR) according to the perspective of the Penal Code (KUHP) and the Law of Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) in Indonesia. This study was conducted using the nonnative approach and the use of Visum et Repertum (VeR) as scientific evidence in cases of animal abuse or animal negligence investigations according to KUHAP article 184 and establishing animals as legal subjects. Visum et Repertum does not apply only to humans but also applies to animals in order to prove the presence or absence of criminal acts that occur. Visum et repertum has important role to play; lowering the number of animal cruelty cases in Indonesia with sufficient support from the government and law enforcement.