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New Law in São Paulo Prohibits the Use of Chains on Dogs and Cats, Defines Criteria for Temporary Containment, and Provides Harsher Penalties for Mistreatment Based on Federal and State Legislation in Effect.
The governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, signed Law No. 18,184/2025, which prohibits the chaining of dogs and cats throughout the state and sets minimum well-being standards.
The regulation was published in the Official Gazette this Monday, August 25, and came into effect on the date of publication. The law is authored by state deputy Rafael Saraiva (União).
What Changes with the Law
The new rule prohibits the use of chains, ropes, or similar items to restrict the animals’ movement and also bans keeping dogs and cats in spaces deemed inappropriate.
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The aim is to curb situations that compromise the life, health, or well-being, expanding state protection for pets.
The legal text was signed on August 21, 2025, and promulgated by the Executive, with official publication on August 25.
Temporary Containment Allowed in Specific Cases
The law allows exceptions only when there is no other viable means of containment, and for a strictly temporary period.
In these cases, the animal may be tied to a “trolley” type chain or similar, provided it can move adequately, uses a collar appropriate for its size — with prohibition of chokers — has constant access to clean water and food, as well as shelter from sun, rain, and cold.
It is also mandatory to maintain the hygiene of the location and the animal itself and to prevent contact with other aggressive animals or those carrying diseases.
Definition of Inadequate Housing
For the purposes of inspection, the law defines inadequate housing as “any space that poses a risk to the life or health of the animal that does not meet the appropriate dimensions for its size and weight, or that disrespects the norms and conditions of animal welfare.”
This definition guides public authorities in verifying environments that, even without chains, may constitute mistreatment due to improper confinement.
Penalties Provided for in the Law
The São Paulo text stipulates that non-compliance subjects the responsible party to the sanctions of Federal Law No. 9,605/1998 (Environmental Crimes Law) and its regulations.
In general terms, Article 32 of this law provides for detention of three months to one year and fines for acts of abuse, mistreatment, injury, or mutilation against wildlife, domestic, or domesticated animals, whether native or exotic.
However, when it comes to specifically dogs and cats, the more severe penalty introduced by Law No. 14,064/2020 (Sansão Law) applies, which raised the punishment to imprisonment of two to five years, in addition to fines and prohibition of custody.
Reaction from the Project Author
Author of the project that led to the regulation, deputy Rafael Saraiva stated that the sanction represents a milestone for the animal cause after years of reports involving neck injuries and prolonged confinement.
In a public statement, he emphasized the symbolism of the measure and the mobilization of protectors and organizations. “No one is born to live chained,” he said while celebrating the approval.
Inspection and Application of the Law
With the publication, the prohibition takes effect throughout the state of São Paulo. The state and municipal agencies responsible for animal welfare and environmental protection can take action in cases that fit the prohibitions, even when there are signs of inadequate housing.
Reporting of occurrences should consider the criminal classification provided in federal legislation, without prejudice to administrative and civil penalties.
Guidelines for Dog and Cat Guardians
In practice, guardians should review containment mechanisms and adapt the home environment.
Whenever it is strictly necessary to contain the animal for a short period, the responsible person must ensure adequate movement, correct collar, hydration, food, and shelter, as well as maintaining conditions of hygiene and sanitary safety.
The use of chokers remains prohibited under any circumstances.
In case of a report, the authorities will assess the context: both permanent restriction with chains and maintenance in unsanitary environments may constitute an offense.
Legal Basis and Validity
The Law No. 18,184, dated August 21, 2025, “provides for the prohibition of chaining dogs and cats with chains or ropes and other provisions” and came into effect on the date of publication, recorded in the Official Gazette on August 25, 2025.
The regulation also consolidates operational concepts — such as “chaining” and “inadequate housing” — to harmonize enforcement actions and guide the guardian on minimum welfare practices.
Finally, the new state rule alters routines and provides legal backing for the protection of dogs and cats, but it also imposes clear duties on guardians; given this, how will the change impact the daily lives of families and businesses that still use physical containment as a customary practice?
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