Criminological analysis of animal abuse in brazil and the effectiveness of the prison sentence for the aggressor

Abstract

This article aims to address animal abuse in Brazil and assess whether the prison sentence is the best alternative to punish the perpetrator. The theme is extremely relevant, given the lack of studies in the country and the prominence acquired by animals in recent decades. A data collection instrument was applied to approximately 6,000 Veterinarians working in different geographic regions of Brazil to ascertain the profile of the agent of abuse, the typology and the causes of animal abuse. Finally, through bibliographic review, it evaluates whether the prison sentence is the best alternative to punish the aggressor. As a result, it finds that the agent of abuse mainly belongs to the male gender, whose age range is between 20 and 40 years old. The most numerous cases of abuse were deprivation of veterinary care, and beatings. The main cause of abuse was negligence or ignorance in relation to the animal's welfare. It concludes that prison sentence is not the best way to punish the aggressor, since it does not raise awareness about the importance and respect due to all forms of life.