The episode of February of the ESMATCast is already on air and it proposes a conversation about Animal Law, focusing on the protection of fauna as subject of rights, and not just as ownership or part of the ecosystem. To deepen the topic, Journalist Tarcisio Vória received Lilian Salinas Pinheiro, lawyer, president of the Animal Law Commission of the BAR Gurupi and master student in Judicial Provision and Human Rights (UFT/ESMAT), and Octahydes Ballan Junior, prosecutor of the State Prosecution of Tocantins (MPTO) and holder of the 24th Prosecutor’s Office of the Capital.
Throughout the episode, guests explained how social and legal understanding of animals has been changing, with practical reflections in different areas: from pet custody cases under family law to discussions on compensation for moral damages, besides situations involving community animals and condominium rules.
The conversation also clarified that when the negligence or "lack of information" of the guardian goes beyond the field of guidance, it can constitute a crime of ill-treatment, in light of the Law on Environmental Crimes (Law No. 9,605), which provides as mistreatment behaviors to abuse, ill-treat, injure or maim animals.
The content also guides how to report. Denunciations can be made anonymously on the Website of the State Prosecution and, in the capital, through channels such as the Metropolitan Guard and the Department of Animal Welfare, as well as other bodies that may act with administrative and criminal measures.
