Bathory is based on the legends surrounding the life and deeds of Countess Elizabeth Bathory known as the greatest murderess in the history of mankind. Contrary to popular belief, Elizabeth Bathory was a modern Renaissance woman who ultimately fell victim to men’s aspirations for power and wealth.
There’s the dog at the beginning as mentioned in the other comment, and another dog who’s throat is slit and that is shown towards the end of the film. The dogs bodies look extremely real, the one at the beginning is not a stuffed animal by any means.
At the beginning of the film, ravens are shown actually killing and eating rats. It is not fake, and it’s very disturbing to see. The rats are clearly suffering, and again, it’s very real and very unnecessary. Several birds are also man handled throughout the film in ways that seem painful. Horses are also struggling in scenes of pulling carts.