THE REITERATED PRACTICE OF MALESTREATMENT AGAINST ROOSTERS IN FIGHTS FOSTERED BY THE FEELING OF IMPUNITY

Abstract

The crime of mistreatment is understood as any human conduct that can cause physical/psychological suffering to the animal under its supervision. This practice is characterized by the act of hurting, abandoning, poisoning, tearing, omitting care or fighting. When it comes to roosters, fighting is characterized by clashes between animals until one of them is seriously injured or killed. The animal abuse is one of the biggest causes of social outcry today and is one of the biggest demands on public security forces. This work will present the chronology of the criminalization of animal abuse to the present day, with emphasis on the “Samsão Law” and other legislation related to the topic. Objectively, we sought through bibliographical research, consultation of Social Defense Event Records (REDS), together with analysis of statistical data, to highlight the considerable demand for ill-treatment/fighting of fighting cocks and also to understand the legislation that regulates the matter. Due to the level of cruelty that roosters are subjected to, as well as the fact that such conduct is an offense with less offensive potential, the article assesses the need to adopt a more severe penalty for the crime of ill-treatment committed against fighting roosters. Therefore, it presents solutions based on information obtained through research and studies carried out with a view to eradicating or minimizing the practice of mistreating such birds quickly, economically and in line with the current legal system.