According
to the Legislation laid down in Art. 32 of the Environmental Crimes, Law
9.605/98, to inflict act of abuse, hurt or mangle upon wild animals, domestic
or domesticated is considered a crime implying in 3 months to 1 year of penalty
and fine.
The presence of bodily injury in animals can be framed as
maltreatment and can shape as a crime. According to Lockwood & Arkow,animal maltreatment is often related to a complex network of domestic violence,including personality disorders in children and teenagers. Statistics show that
in Brazil, cats are the primary target for abuse, which could be related to its
body shape and behavioral characteristics. With this, it is clear that the
veterinary doctor has an important part in these situations, since discovering
elements that can show signs of maltreatment to the case closure.