Animal Farm is regarded as a dystopian novel for several reasons. First, it depicts a society where the initial ideals of equality and freedom are completely subverted. The pigs, who gain power, gradually become tyrannical. They use propaganda to control the other animals, just as in a dystopian regime. For example, Squealer constantly twists the truth to keep the other animals in line. Also, the living conditions of the animals don't improve as expected after the revolution but rather deteriorate in some ways. There is no real justice or fairness in this so - called 'animal - run' farm, which is characteristic of a dystopian setting.
Well, Animal Farm is seen as a dystopian novel mainly due to its portrayal of a broken society. In the beginning, the animals strive for a better life without human exploitation. However, as the story progresses, the power - hungry pigs take over and manipulate the other animals. They rewrite the rules for their own benefit, creating a world of inequality, propaganda, and fear, which are typical elements of a dystopia.