City in São Paulo Defines New Penalties for Temporary Abandonment and Establishes Unprecedented Standards of Responsibility for Dog and Cat Owners
The city of Santos, on the São Paulo coast, started a relevant update to its animal welfare legislation in October 2024, reinforcing the municipal commitment.
The City Council approved the measure after extensive debates, showing the priority given to the topic.
Councilman Benedito Furtado led the discussions and presented the text that holds owners accountable for leaving dogs or cats alone for more than 36 hours, creating a clear limit.
The fines range from R$ 1,500 to R$ 10,000, depending on the assessment made by the responsible authority.
The project is set to be sanctioned by Mayor Rogério Santos, which should occur in 2025.
The initiative is part of national animal protection policies, aiming to establish more responsible standards for pet owners.
What Changes with the New Legislation
The new law alters municipal treatment of temporary abandonment, creating an updated regulatory framework.
The text mandates immediate punishment for owners who leave dogs or cats alone for more than 36 hours, establishing objective criteria.
The fines start at R$ 1,500 and can reach R$ 10,000, depending on each analyzed situation.
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The legislation defines that the penalty doubles in cases of recurrence, discouraging repetitive conduct.
The objective reinforces continuous care and prevents lack of supervision, feeding, and security for pets, protecting their well-being.
Why the Measure Was Created
The City Council debated the topic, highlighting the risks caused by the prolonged absence of owners.
The proposal presented by Benedito Furtado established clear norms to prevent practices that harm the physical and emotional health of animals, strengthening protection.
The initiative aligns with the effort to create a responsible urban environment, valuing daily care for dogs and cats.
The penalties have high values, serving as a tool to discourage abandonment in homes, apartments, and yards.
Destination of Collected Resources
The amounts collected from fines will reinforce municipal animal protection programs, expanding existing projects.
The allocation includes shelter, assistance, and care, strengthening the available infrastructure for vulnerable animals.
Thus, the policy creates a cycle of responsibility, in which negligent owners finance improvements in the protection network, expanding municipal capacity.
How Oversight Will Work
After the sanction, several municipal bodies will work in oversight, ensuring an integrated structure.
The Animal Welfare Coordination will analyze complaints and verify possible cases of abandonment, centralizing the investigation.
The Environmental Municipal Guard will work alongside the Environmental Police, ensuring speed and efficiency.
Reports should primarily come from neighbors who notice prolonged lack of care, reinforcing the importance of community involvement.
The teams will assess each case individually, following the criteria defined in the approved text.
Debates and Reactions
During parliamentary discussions, council members highlighted that the rule meets a growing demand for stringent animal protection measures, demonstrating alignment with society.
Furtado’s proposal aimed to reduce common neglect during travel periods, holidays, and prolonged absences, strengthening prevention.
Animal advocacy organizations supported the measure, evidencing technical backing.
Some council members considered the fines high, but the understanding prevailed that strict punishments deter abandonment, reinforcing accountability.
Next Steps and Implementation
The city will begin the application of fines and operational adjustments in the responsible bodies, expanding municipal efficiency.
The Animal Welfare Coordination will strengthen its structure to meet new demands, ensuring agility.
The city hall will explore ways to inform pet owners about their new obligations, facilitating understanding of the law.
In the early months, the number of complaints may rise, demanding greater action from the Environmental Municipal Guard and the Environmental Police.
Expected Impacts
The law is expected to change behaviors and encourage a culture of continuous care for domestic animals, enhancing protection.
Municipal animal protection programs will receive new resources, strengthening public policies.
This reinforcement will improve the services offered by the municipal network and boost long-term actions aimed at the well-being of pets.

Isso é maravilhoso! Basta de abandono e maus tratos aos animais. O ser humano vem mostrando ser o pior monstro do planeta. Sou protetora de animais e todos os dias saio pelas ruas para alimentar animais abandonados. É impressionante a quantidade deles abandonados pelas ruas, terminais rodoviários, estação de trem, estacionamentos de supermercados…..enfim, isso tem que ter um fim. Não podemos implantar no coração desses **** **** malfeitores amor e empatia, mas podemos sim através de nossos governantes fazer valer e ser cumprida todas essas leis de proteção ****. **** sem fiança para todo e qualquer um que abandonar maltratar e cometer abusos contra animais. Levar a todas as cidades do Brasil mais Campanhas de castração. Que o governo crie uma secretaria de proteção ****, e que seja não mais um cabide de empregos, mas que tenha pessoas capazes e competentes para criar meios de dar fim nessa situação vergonhosa cruel e desumana que vivem os animais.
Basta! Chega dessa monstruosidade!
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