A new bill in São Vicente, Brazil, proposes the creation of a specialized patrol within the municipal guard to address animal cruelty cases, inspired by a recent incident involving a mistreated dog.
Tiago Peretto, a councilor from União, has introduced a bill in the São Vicente city council, situated on the coast of São Paulo, aimed at establishing a dedicated task force within the Municipal Civil Guard (GCM) to respond to animal cruelty cases. This initiative, named 'Cãozinho Orelha' (Little Ear Dog), comes in response to the tragic death of a dog named Orelha, who was severely beaten earlier this month in Praia Brava, an incident that garnered significant national attention and led to the identification of a 15-year-old suspect.
The proposed legislation outlines that the Animal Protection Patrol would operate with a specifically marked vehicle and a team trained to handle reports of animal mistreatment. These officers would ideally receive training related to environmental law, animal welfare, and safe handling practices. By establishing this patrol, the councilor aims to respond more effectively to reports of animal abuse and foster a safer environment for pets and wildlife alike.
The bill has already been submitted to the Justice and Writing Commission of the city council, which is required to analyze it within a 15-day timeframe. If passed, this legislation could set a precedent for similar initiatives across Brazil, reflecting a growing public awareness and zero tolerance towards animal cruelty incidents.
