ANIMAL WELFARE AND ABANDONMENT AND COURT SENTENCES FOR MALTREATMENT

Abstract

This paper aimed to address animal welfare and the update of Brazilian legislation related to the criminal conviction of mistreatment of domestic animals, demonstrating the existing relationship between human behavior and detention with the protection of animal rights. Based on the bibliographical research, an analysis was made on the actions of the State and citizens who seek to actively protect and promote animal rights. It was observed that, despite the Environmental Crimes Law being robust, most cases of animal mistreatment are still treated as an infraction of less offensive potential. Therefore, we tried to understand the reaction of the Judiciary to the different cases of animal mistreatment and how this negligent picture leaves something to be desired when it comes to a more effective enforcement of existing laws. The methodology used in this study was bibliographic research. In this sense, several works related to the theme were consulted, such as books, scientific articles and court decisions, which contributed to the theoretical foundation and to the understanding of the practices adopted in the Brazilian legislation regarding animal welfare and animal mistreatment. These sources showed the importance of the search for awareness regarding animal protection and welfare, since the fragility of animal rights ends up covering both the obligation of citizens and the responsibility of the State. In this way, it is expected that with the purpose of improving the social condition of animals, improvements in the current legislation will occur.