The relationship between humans and animals has been known since antiquity. Animals have always been companions, friends, fellow travelers, but often also victims of human cruelty. This relationship is vividly depicted in the literary texts of every era. At the same time, literary production influences the legislative process, resulting in the formation of a legal framework for the protection of animals, with the ultimate goal, in modern times, being their welfare. This essay explores the interaction between legal science and literature on the sensitive issue of the welfare of non-human animals. The focus is chronologically on the period 1821-2021 and reflects the socio-economic conditions of the country.