This week, the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo (Alesp) approved Bill 56/2025, which authorizes, throughout São Paulo, the burial of dogs and cats with their owners. The measure, authored by deputies Eduardo Nóbrega and Ricardo França (both from Podemos), applies to tombs and tombs whose concessions are held by the families of the guardians.
The project, approved last Tuesday, 16th, goes to governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) for sanction.
In justifying the project, parliamentarians indicate the objective of offering a “more accessible and respectful alternative for families who wish to bury their pets” and highlight the growth of love and respect for animals in society.
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“With the approval of this law, the State of São Paulo takes an important step in the inclusion of more compassionate funeral practices, reflecting the deep bond between humans and their pets and recognizing the importance of this bond in all stages of life, including the moment of goodbye”, they state.
According to the project, it will be up to the funeral services of each municipality to regulate the service. Private cemeteries, respecting the rules of regulation, may establish their own rules for the burial of animals in graves and tombs.
Approved PL authorizes the presence of pets in the hospital
In addition to PL 56/2025, Alesp also approved other proposals aimed at the relationship between pets and their guardians. One of them was PL 1169/2025, which allows pets to visit owners who are hospitalized. The measure applies to public and private units.
“Several studies indicate that the presence of companion animals can reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression, in addition to contributing to the improvement of clinical conditions and accelerating recovery processes for hospitalized patients”, says deputy Alex Madureira (PL), in the justification of the project.
According to the legislation, animals’ access to hospitals will be subject to certain rules, such as presentation of a veterinary certificate issued no more than 30 days before the date of the visit; proof that the pet is in good health, with up-to-date vaccinations and deworming, in addition to the owner signing a liability waiver.
On the other hand, visits by animals that are “proven aggressive”, sick or infested with parasites are prohibited; and also those who are in heat. The law does not apply to animals used in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) programs or in emotional support activities that already have specific regulations.
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The new law also determines that hospitals are responsible for establishing the logistics of the visit, such as the duration, frequency and location of the meetings. The units will have 90 days from the publication of the legislation to make adaptations and create internal visitation protocols.
Other projects approved by Alesp
Two other proposals related to animal protection were also approved by the Alesp plenary last Tuesday, 16th.
Bill 818/2023, authored by Representative Maurici (PT), determines that aggressors who abuse animals are responsible for the costs of the treatment. In other words, the person will have to reimburse the state Public Administration for all expenses incurred by public veterinary health services used to treat the animal.
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Bill 1583/2023, by deputy Carlão Pignatari (PSDB), will be responsible for creating the State Register of Low Income Guardians and Protectors and authorizing the Executive Branch to establish the Bolsa Ração Card. The project aims to help low-income citizens who have pets and need help providing adequate food for their animals.
