BEM-ESTAR ANIMAL E JUDICIALIZAÇÃO DE MAUS-TRATOS A PETS NO BRASIL: PANORAMA E LACUNAS
BEM-ESTAR ANIMAL E JUDICIALIZAÇÃO DE MAUS-TRATOS A PETS NO BRASIL: PANORAMA E LACUNAS
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.344122509068
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Palavras-chave: bem-estar animal; judicialização; direito animal; pets; maus-tratos.
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Keywords: animal welfare; judicialization; animal rights; pets; abuse.
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Abstract: This chapter addresses animal welfare and the judicialization of mistreatment of companion animals in Brazil, highlighting legal advances, recent court decisions, and the remaining gaps in the effective protection of animals. The growing social appreciation of pets as family members and the scientific recognition of animal sentience have expanded the ethical, legal, and social demands surrounding the issue. Law No. 14,064/2020 (known as the Sansão Law) represents an important milestone by tightening penalties for the abuse of dogs and cats, but its effectiveness depends on strict enforcement and efficient oversight. Methodologically, the study consists of a literature review carried out in databases such as SciELO, Google Scholar, and institutional repositories, covering scientific articles, legislation, court decisions, and documents from international organizations. Publications from the last two decades were prioritized and analyzed according to their relevance to the Brazilian legal and social context. The results show that judicialization has become consolidated as a democratic instrument for the enforcement of constitutional rights, filling gaps left by administrative and legislative shortcomings. Landmark cases, such as those of Spike and Rambo, set important precedents by recognizing animals as subjects of rights. However, the lack of jurisprudential uniformity, the resistance of conservative sectors, and the persistence of impunity constitute obstacles to the full effectiveness of animal protection. It is concluded that, although there have been significant advances, the consolidation of an effective Animal Law in Brazil depends on legislative harmonization, the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms, and greater social and institutional awareness, in order to align legislation with contemporary demands for animal welfare and dignity.
- Antonio Pedro Aragão Ferreira
- Thamara Bringel da Cruz
- Thayla Bringel da Cruz
- Carla Janaina Rebouças Marques do Rosário