Chamber approves law making animal cruelty to dogs and cats with death a heinous crime

The House of Representatives passed a bill that makes the mistreatment of dogs and cats a heinous crime when violence results in the death of the animal. The proposal seeks to extend the rigor of Brazilian legislation and to combat impunity in cases of cruelty against domestic animals.

The Bill No. 2475/2025, authored by the federal deputy Célio Studart (PSD-CE), was approved with amendments proposed by the rapporteur, Delegate Deputy Matheus Laiola (União-PR). The text is now for consideration by the Federal Senate.

When will mistreatment be considered a heinous crime?

According to the approved proposal, the crime of mistreatment of dogs and cats resulting in death could be classified as heinous in three situations:

where the person responsible intends to cause the death of the animal;

When the attacker consciously assumes the risk of causing death;

When death occurs at the fault of the person responsible, provided that the ill-treatment has been intentionally committed.

The proposal establishes criteria to hold perpetrators of violence against animals accountable, considering both the intention to cause death and the consequences of deliberate acts of ill-treatment.

Penalties can reach five years in prison

According to the approved text, the crime of ill-treatment of dogs and cats resulting in death could result in a prison sentence of two to five years, in addition to a fine and prohibition of the custody of animals.

The classification as a heinous crime also represents a hardening in the criminal treatment of conduct, since this category is subject to stricter rules provided for in Brazilian legislation.

During the discussion of the proposal, the Delegate Rapporteur Matheus Laiola highlighted the need to extend protection to animals.

“Animals have no way of asking for help, but we are here to defend all species. In this specific case, placing as a heinous crime those who mistreat dogs and cats with the result of death,” he said.

Project seeks to combat impunity

Author of the proposal, MEP Célio Studart defended the change in legislation as a necessary measure to address violence against animals in Brazil.

According to the parliamentary, half of the crimes committed against animals in the country end in impunity, a situation that, in his assessment, demonstrates the need for stricter punishments.

“The person goes out the front door of the jail. What an incoherence to say that the dog is man’s best friend if we are so often the worst of his friends,” Studart said.

What is missing for the law to take effect?

Despite approval in the House of Representatives, the proposal is not yet in force. The text will be forwarded to the Federal Senate, where it will need to pass through analysis and voting.

If it is approved without modification, it will go to presidential sanction. If there are changes, you can return to the House for a new evaluation.

The initiative represents another step forward in the discussions on animal protection and criminal accountability of people involved in cases of violence against dogs and cats.

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