The holiday season is approaching, and with it, an alarming increase in cases of animal abandonment.
Brazil, the second largest country in terms of the number of pets in households, still faces a serious problem with misinformation about the responsibility owners must have for their pets. Therefore, the Special Commission for Animal Rights of the OAB-GO conducts educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Animal abandonment is a growing problem across Brazil, especially during holiday periods. It is important to remember that abandoning animals is a crime, according to Article 32 of Federal Law 9.605/98, with penalties of 2 to 5 years in prison, fines, and a ban on pet ownership. This cruel practice exposes animals to suffering, hunger, thirst, traffic accidents, and often premature death.
One of the most common cases of abandonment is that of pregnant female dogs. These females are left in extremely vulnerable conditions, further increasing the cycle of suffering by giving birth to puppies that are also left without care.
“Animals cannot survive alone on the streets. They suffer all kinds of abuse, including hunger, cold, and depression. Many die in the first months. Abandoning an animal reflects human insensitivity and selfishness,” warns Pauliane Rodrigues, president of the Special Commission for Animal Rights of OAB-GO.
Pauliane emphasizes that before adopting an animal, one should reflect on long-term responsibilities. “An animal can live for 10 to 20 years. During that time, it will get sick and need medical care. Do you have the financial and emotional capacity to provide for this? If your life changes, you travel, or face a separation, are you prepared to include the animal in your life? Adoption is an act of love and responsibility. Never do it impulsively.”
There are no street animals. There are irresponsible owners who abandon them. The lack of public policies, such as effective sterilization programs, also contributes to the increase in abandonment cases.
Sterilization is essential for population control and to prevent abuse, as abandonment itself is a form of cruelty. Moreover, abandoning animals exacerbates public health problems, such as the spread of zoonoses, due to the absence of vaccinations and reproductive control.
According to Federal Decree 24.645/34, abandoning a sick, injured, or malnourished animal is considered abuse and can lead to punishment. Federal, state, and municipal legislation is clear in treating abandonment as a crime.
In addition to Law 9.605/98, Article 32, there is the Municipal Law 9.843/16, which explicitly classifies the act of animal abandonment in Article 2, Section IV, and the offender may be fined.
Furthermore, we have a state law that constitutes the Animal Welfare Code of Goiás, Law 21.104/21:
Art. 6º For the purposes of this law, and without prejudice to the definitions and penalties provided in Law No. 20.629 of November 8, 2019, abuse or cruelty against animals is understood as:
I- “Abandoning the animal, under any circumstances or age, in public or private areas.”
How to report:
The crime of abandonment, like any other, requires evidence. Whenever possible:
- Record images or videos of the act;
- Gather witnesses or security camera footage;
- File a police report at the nearest police station or at specialized agencies, such as the Environmental Police (DEMA).
In cases of abandonment at veterinary clinics, professionals must require complete identification of the owner when the animal is treated. If the animal is left without return, the information should be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
Remember: Abandoning animals is one of the most cruel forms of abuse. It is a crime against life. Respect and protect animals. Be responsible and report those who commit this cruelty. The fight against abandonment is a fight for justice and for the lives of sentient beings who depend on us to survive. Never abandon!
