Brazilian cities boost animal welfare with expanded castration program and pet‑shop video rules

The municipality of Petrolina has increased the staff of its Animal Welfare Coordination, adding new veterinarians to support the municipal spay‑neuter program. The initiative targets 600‑800 surgeries per month and has already sterilised more than 1,150 animals through a mobile unit, aiming to control stray populations, reduce abandonment and improve public health.

In Caruaru, a new municipal ordinance requires pet shops to record all bathing and grooming services for dogs and cats. Establishments have 90 days to install video equipment, must keep footage for at least 17 days, and owners can request the recordings. Non‑compliance can lead to written warnings, fines starting at R$1,000 that double with repeated violations, and possible temporary suspension of activities.