Brazil and Portugal implement stricter animal welfare and crime laws

Legislative and law enforcement updates regarding animal welfare are emerging in Brazil and Portugal.

In Brazil, the Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that would classify abandoning animals using vehicles or boats as a very serious traffic violation. The proposal includes penalties such as the suspension of driver's licenses for 12 to 18 months, heavy fines reaching nearly R$ 6,000, and the potential permanent revocation of licenses for repeat offenders. Additionally, a separate bill passed by a House committee seeks to increase criminal penalties for crimes against the elderly, including bodily injury and fraud.

In Portugal, authorities are reporting significant numbers of animal abandonment cases. Portuguese police forces (PSP and GNR) have identified at least 124 suspects for animal abandonment in 2026, noting that summer remains a critical period for these crimes. Meanwhile, the GNR has launched an operation to increase hunting inspections through February 2027 to ensure biodiversity conservation and public safety. In Valongo, local authorities are promoting responsible adoption through community events to combat the issue of stray animals.