Sao Paulo’s governor signed a new law this week allowing pets to be buried in family graves and mausoleums across the state, formally recognising “the emotional bond” between people and their household animals. The measure, known locally as the Bob Coveiro law, was signed by conservative governor Tarcisio de Freitas and takes effect immediately, permitting families to lay companion animals to rest alongside their human relatives.
The change was inspired by Bob Coveiro, a dog that lived for ten years in a municipal cemetery after his owner was buried there and, when he died in 2021, was allowed to be buried beside that human. Supporters say the law recognises longstanding ties between owners and pets and gives families a legal option for joint interment.
Brazil already has one of the largest companion-animal populations in the world; the Pet Brasil Institute estimates about 160 million pets nationwide. The new burial rule comes amid heightened public sensitivity to animal welfare following the brutal killing of a beloved street dog known as “Orelha” in Florianopolis, an incident that sparked protests, drew widespread media attention and prompted comment from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The law also reflects broader social trends: with a declining birth rate and a growing middle class, Brazilians increasingly treat pets as family members and demand services ranging from luxury spas to hotels for animals. Earlier this year, São Paulo passed another measure recognising the “cultural significance” of the caramel-coloured street dog known as the Caramelo — a move supporters said aimed to “combat prejudice against animals without a defined breed” and followed the animal’s appearance in a 2025 Netflix film.
Officials say the Bob Coveiro law provides a legal framework for cemeteries and families to decide together on burial arrangements, while animal-rights advocates hope it will strengthen respect for companion animals and acknowledge their role in many Brazilians’ lives.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/till-death-do-us-bark-brazilian-state-lets-pets-be-buried-with-owners-10984899#publisher=newsstand
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Publish Date: 2026-02-11 14:50:00
