Brazil adopts new laws making animal abusers pay recovery costs and redefining pet custody in divorce

The Espírito Santo state legislature approved a law that obliges anyone convicted of animal cruelty to cover all expenses related to the rescue and treatment of the victims, including veterinary consultations, medication, surgeries, transport and feeding. The amendment, authored by deputy Janete de Sá (PSB), updates the state’s animal protection code and now awaits the governor’s signature. Janete de Sá said, "Quem causa sofrimento deve responder também pelos custos gerados para reparar esse dano."

In April, Brazil enacted federal Law No. 15.392/2026, which treats pets as joint family property in divorce proceedings. The law establishes shared custody, splits veterinary and upkeep costs, and bars abusive partners from retaining pets, recognizing them as sentient members of the household. Attorney Graziela Jurça Fanti noted that pets can be used as emotional leverage in domestic violence cases. Both measures signal a shift toward stronger legal protection for animals and their role within families.