Brazil's Senate and Rio de Janeiro Assembly push new animal protection statutes

The Legislative Assembly of the state of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) will hold a second‑round vote on Project Law 1.058/23, a measure that would create a Specialized Animal Protection Police Unit. Authored by Deputy Claudio Caiado (PSD), the bill would give the new unit powers to register, investigate and open inquiries into crimes against wildlife, domestic and exotic animals, and to receive reports through hotlines and digital channels. If approved, the proposal will be sent to Governor Cláudio Couto for sanction or veto.

In the Federal Senate, lawmakers are debating Project Law 6.191/2025, the so‑called Statute of Dogs and Cats. The proposal recognises dogs and cats as sentient beings with legal rights, regulates commercial breeding, sales, shelters, and defines mistreatment as a crime. Senator Fabiano Contarato (PT‑ES) has presented a favorable report, and the bill has already passed key committees. The Senate aims to complete its work by 2026 and bring the statute to a final floor vote, a change that could reshape Brazil’s multibillion‑dollar pet industry.