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Severe Restrictions Take Effect Immediately and Hold Owners Responsible for Damages, with Fines That Can Reach R$ 10 Thousand in Case of Reoffending
A new legislation has come into effect imposing stricter rules for the ownership, circulation, and breeding of dogs considered potentially dangerous, particularly pit bulls and derived breeds. The regulation establishes mandatory neutering from six months of age, along with a prohibition on breeding and selling these animals, expanding control over responsible ownership and public safety.
This information was disclosed by media outlets and confirmed in an official decree that complements the Law No. 14,204 of 2007, reinforcing that owners are now fully responsible for any damages caused by the dogs. The legislation took effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette, with no transition period.
Restricted Circulation, Minimum Age, and Mandatory Use of Muzzle
The decree also establishes severe restrictions on the circulation of these dogs in public places, such as streets, squares, and parks, especially in areas with a high concentration of people. The intention is to reduce the risk of attacks and incidents involving large and physically strong animals.
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Heading to Brazil in a Bonanza F33 single-engine aircraft: a couple departs from Florida on a visual flight, makes technical stops in the Caribbean to refuel and organize paperwork, and begins the staged crossing until they reach the country.
In locations where circulation is still permitted, dogs must be led exclusively by people over 18 years old, with appropriate leashes and mandatory use of muzzles. Moreover, the legal text clarifies that any incident involving the animal will fall directly on the owner, including from a civil and administrative perspective.
It is important to highlight that the official name of the breed commonly known as pit bull is American Pit Bull Terrier, and that the legislation is not limited to this designation, covering various breeds considered derived or resulting from crosses.
Official List of Breeds Covered by the Legislation
According to the decree that regulates and expands the existing rules, the following dogs are considered derived breeds of pit bulls and are subject to the same legal requirements:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bully
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Red Nose
- Pit Monster
- Exotic Bully
- American Bully Pocket
- Pocket Bully
- American Bully Micro / Micro Bully
- American Bully Micro Exotic / Micro Exotic
With this, owners of these breeds must comply with the new rules, regardless of the animal’s size, behavior history, or breeding purpose.
Municipal Enforcement, Fines of Up to R$ 10 Thousand, and Seizure
The enforcement of the rules will be the responsibility of the municipalities, with support from the Military Police, and it is necessary for the municipalities to have trained professionals for the handling and care of seized animals.
Noncompliance with the rules may result in fines of R$ 5 thousand, a value that doubles in case of reoffending, potentially reaching R$ 10 thousand, in addition to the seizure of the animal. The penalties reinforce the preventive nature of the measure and seek to curb the illegal breeding and circulation of these dogs.
Direct Application of the Law in Santa Catarina and National Debate
The new rules are already being applied in the state of Santa Catarina, where the decree was signed by Governor Jorginho Mello and took effect immediately after publication in the Official State Gazette. The initiative reinforces state policies on security and animal control, expanding the reach of legislation in effect since 2007.
The measure also fits into a broader national context. In the National Congress, similar bills are being discussed, such as Bill No. 4.871/2020, which provides for the creation of a national registry of potentially dangerous dogs and the mandatory use of leashes, collars, and muzzles in public places.
Experts believe that the experience adopted in Santa Catarina could serve as a reference for other states, driving more uniform regulation across the country.
In your opinion, are stricter laws for certain breeds the best way to prevent attacks, or should the focus be on education and responsible ownership?
Sou contra a essas leis, pois, tem que serem criados na forma mansa e não agressiva como também incluim os Rotvaleir e doberman, se forem criados desde pequenos mansos e carinhosos,eles podem irem a qualquer lugar, acontecem que a maioria que criam **** ofensivos, são executivos que querem seguranças às suas casas e locais de trabalhos, deixsndo-os agressivos e trazendo problemas aos tutores e svsbdonam em vias públicas, para serem mortos em acidentes de carros
Vejam como são os humanos de má índole. Tem o meu izinho uma pitbul fêmea é. Uivo mansa é agradável.
Essa raça de cães não deveria nem existir
Que lei absurda! E quanto aos cães de rua,os caramelos,que atacam e ferem as pessoas,quem se responsabiliza?
Independente da raça o tutor é responsável pelo seu cão ,mas estarem fazendo dos cães “feras i domaveis” não tem cabimento! Cada caso é um caso.
Quando acontecer uma fatalidade com vc ou alguém da sua família vc vai mudar de opinião bem rápido.
Verdade eu tenho o meu e crio ele com maior carinho para não atacar ninguém,a não ser ser sentir ameaçado,o meu pit bull já foi atacado na rua por outro cão sem funcieira ele não pode ser defender eu tive que defende-lo por que ele estava com a funcieira!essa lei é um absurdo.