Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
11 comments 
Bill 176/2023, Approved by the Transportation and Logistics Commission, Intensifies Punishments for Mistreatment, but Divides Opinions Between Animal Protection and Risks of Social Exclusion for Vulnerable Workers
The Transportation and Logistics Commission of the Chamber of Deputies approved the Bill 176/2023, presented by Deputies Delegate Matheus Laiola (União-PR) and Delegate Bruno Lima (PP-SP). The text provides for the criminalization of the use of animal-drawn vehicles and increases the punishment for cases of mistreatment.
The proposal amends the Environmental Crimes Law and establishes penalties of 1 to 4 years in prison, in addition to fines. In cases of severe injury or death of the animal, the punishment can reach up to 8 years in prison.
What Changes with the Project
If approved at all levels, the project will apply throughout the national territory. It still needs to pass through the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) and the Chamber’s Plenary, before proceeding to the Senate.
-
China alone accounts for 70% of trade within the BRICS, while Brazil establishes itself as an essential supplier of food and minerals: understand how the group, which already represents nearly 40% of the world’s GDP, is changing the game.
-
Starting in May, those who do not have registered biometrics will not be able to apply for Bolsa Família, sickness benefits, or unemployment insurance: understand the new rule that changes access to benefits for millions of Brazilians.
-
A new law being voted on in Brazil proposes a minimum fare of R$ 10 per trip and R$ 2.50 per kilometer for Uber and 99 drivers, and promises to ensure they earn as well as taxi drivers did during the golden age of taxis in the country.
-
Bauer Group collapses after failed judicial recovery: 25 years, 800 vehicles, and a network of gas stations leave a debt of R$ 50 million and 100 layoffs, exposing costs, tight margins, and expensive credit in Brazil.
The text prohibits the use of horses, donkeys, mules, goats, and cattle to pull carts or carry goods.
It also bans animals in circuses, performances, and entertainment activities. For these situations, the penalty ranges from 2 to 5 years, doubling in case of death.
Despite its rigidity, exceptions were included. These include the use of horses in sports and leisure, such as horse racing and equestrianism, as well as equine therapy.
Mounting by security forces and subsistence family farming is also allowed, provided that good management practices are respected.
Arguments Against the Project
Although the proposal aims to protect animals, it generated a strong reaction from social entities and sectors linked to rural areas. The main point raised is the lack of a transition plan.
Thousands of workers depend on animal traction for their survival. Recyclable waste collectors and low-income families may be directly harmed.
Without viable alternatives for transportation and generating income, social exclusion is likely to increase.
In rural areas, the use of animals is still essential for delivering supplies and goods in hard-to-reach locations.
Critics warn that, without specific public policies, criminalization could deepen inequalities.
Constitutionality Issues
Another argument raised concerns the possible unconstitutionality of the proposal. Opponents argue that the project does not guarantee minimal dignity conditions for workers engaged in lawful survival activities.
This impasse brings to the forefront a complex dilemma: how to balance social justice and animal protection.
While defenders highlight the need to punish mistreatment, critics remind us that the fundamental rights of citizens in vulnerable situations also need to be respected.
Divergences in Congress
The rapporteur, Deputy Bruno Ganem (Pode-SP), defended the project. According to him, animal traction no longer has significant weight in Brazilian transportation.
The parliamentarian emphasized the importance of advancing the fight against cruelty to animals.
Entities such as the Parliamentary Front for Agriculture (FPA) and representatives of waste collectors argue, however, that any changes must be accompanied by concrete alternatives.
Without financial support programs and income generation, they claim that the proposal may exacerbate urban and rural poverty.
Between Progress and Challenges
Even among critics, there is recognition that the text represents an important step toward enhancing animal protection.
However, the lack of social transition measures is considered a significant risk.
While supporters celebrate criminalization, social sectors call for responsibility and planning. For them, environmental justice cannot mean social injustice.
Bill 176/2023 exposes the difficulty of reconciling distinct interests. On one hand, the urgency to combat mistreatment.
On the other hand, the need to preserve the subsistence of workers in vulnerable situations. The outcome will depend on the balance that Congress decides to adopt.
With information from Compre Rural.
Nos dias de hoje a humanização excessiva de animais está chegando a um nível tão insano que se coloca em pauta esse tipo de Projeto de Lei durante todo o curso da história da humanidade assim como nos dias de hoje animais foram usados para as mais diversas finalidades como transporte, auxílio nos trabalhos mais pesados e braçais do campo como arar a terra e manejo do solo, fornecimento de alimentos como carne e leite e etc tanto que esses animais domésticos urbanos e rurais como cães, gatos,****,****,porcos,cabras,****,jumentos,aves como frango, pato e etc só existem nos dias de hoje assim como diversas raças de **** por exemplo por que diversas tribos e civilizações antigas retiravam esses animais em seu estado selvagem da natureza e passaram a domesticá-los para diversas finalidades fazendo modificações genéticas e cruzamentos para que adquirisem a forma como conhecemos hoje realmente a sociedade hoje em dia está doente com seus valores completamente invertidos e subversivos as pessoas estão ficando cada vez mais insanas expressando todo tipo de sandice e maluquice hoje em dia é muito mimimi!!!!!
Não podemos maltratar os animais.
Só podemos mata-los e fazer churrasco com eles kkk
O problema é que essa lei no final da história vai ser apenas um trampolim para a criação de mais uma benefício social(esmola), do governo para manter uma parcela de votos garantidos.