Brazil criminalizes illegal veterinary practice

On 8 June 2026 Brazil enacted Law No 15.425, amending Article 282 of the Penal Code to classify the practice of veterinary medicine without legal authorization as a crime. The legislation applies even when services are offered free of charge and sets a detention term of six months to two years, with an additional fine if the activity is motivated by profit.

The law also makes the offense punishable for professionals who work while their registration is suspended or cancelled. It introduces aggravating circumstances: if the illegal act causes serious bodily injury or death to a person, the offender may also be charged with the corresponding bodily‑injury or homicide offenses; if it results in injury or death of an animal, environmental crime provisions apply. The measure was signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and received commentary from Senator Sergio Moro, who said it strengthens public health, animal welfare and sanitary safety.

The change aligns veterinary practice with other health professions such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, closing a legal gap that previously left unqualified practitioners unchecked.