The Chamber of Rio de Janeiro approved last Wednesday (29), in second discussion, Bill 1025/2022 which determines that the person who commits mistreatment against animals will lose custody, possession or property of the domestic, wild animal or exotic, and is prohibited from acquiring guardianship of animals for a period of five years.
Read more: With 80 years of activity, Suipa runs the risk of closing its doors due to the financial crisis in Rio
The proposal amends Law 6,435/2018 and also provides for the payment by the offender of expenses with transportation, accommodation, food, veterinary services and other expenses arising from the care given to the animal; as well as the collection of the products object of the infraction, instruments, equipment or means of transport of any nature used in the respective commission.
According to the justification of the proposal, the fine does not always solve the problem. The project aims to proportionally guarantee the safety of animals by prohibiting the acquisition of guardianship of animals by aggressors for a period of five years.
“Another point is to update the norm in order to impose a penalty that, effectively, affects the well-being of the animal attacked. Sometimes, the imposition of a fine will not reach the effectiveness of the norm, since the value of the fine will not necessarily correspond to the value of the treatment that will be given to the animal”, states the PL.
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The project, which is now subject to approval or veto by Mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD), is authored by Councilors Prof. Célio Lupparelli (PSD), Marcio Ribeiro (Avante), Luciano Medeiros (PSD), Marcelo Arar (PTB), Wellington Dias (PDT), Matheus Gabriel (PSD) and Dr. Marcos Paulo (Psol).
Switzerland at risk
Earlier this week, the Sociedade União Internacional Protetora dos Animais (Suipa), located in the Benfica neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, reported that it is going through one of the worst financial crises in its history and is at risk of closing its doors.
The organization completes 80 years of existence in April sheltering street and abandoned animals, which receive medical treatment and have the opportunity to get a home through adoption. The organization’s headquarters also offers veterinary care, at popular prices. The revenue raised is used to cover various expenses of the organization, which is also maintained through donations.
Today, Suipa has 102 employees under the CLT regime and 2200 animals, most of which are dogs, as well as cats, pigs and even horses.
Source: BdF Rio de Janeiro
Editing: Eduardo Miranda