The São Paulo Legislative Assembly approved in December a bill allowing the burial of pets in the graves of their owners in municipal and private cemeteries. The text now awaits sanction or veto from Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. The measure aims to provide a more respectful mourning process, particularly for low-income families.
In December, the São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp) approved a bill authorizing municipal and private cemeteries in the state to allow the burial of pets in the graves of their owners. Regulation will be handled by municipal funeral services, and the text has been sent to the state executive for review in the coming days.
Historically, relationships between humans and companion animals like dogs and cats have evolved from pragmatic roles, such as hunting, to deep affectionate bonds, as per philosopher Donna Haraway's concept of 'companion species.' Burial practices have also changed: in Europe and Brazil, access to cemeteries was initially limited to the faithful, excluding suicides and those accused of witchcraft.
Other cultures showed similar respect: Vikings buried people with horses; the indigenous Krahô people in Tocantins interred animals comparably to humans; and in ancient Egypt, the city of Bubastis housed a necropolis of mummified cats. In the Middle East 2,500 years ago, Phoenicians, Israelites, and Philistines buried dogs. Greeks and Romans erected tombstones with epitaphs for valued animals. A French aristocrat from the Ancien Régime inscribed on a sculpture: 'Here lies Ménine, the most amiable and most beloved of all cats'.
In São Paulo, a 20th-century animal cemetery existed but was deactivated in 1972 for the expansion of Ibirapuera Park, destroying most graves. A remaining tombstone honors the dog Pinguim (1937-1946): 'To our faithful friend... Eternal longing from your owners,' signed by Nina and Nice.
In 2013, São Paulo city councilors approved a similar measure, vetoed by Mayor Fernando Haddad (PT) for disrespecting 'people's religiosity.' Brazil has 160 million pets, or 1.8 per household, per IBGE and Abinpet, making affordable options essential, as private crematories are expensive, leading to improper disposals.
Other places are progressing: Since 2024, Campinas (SP) allows burials in municipal cemeteries; Parnamirim (RN) adopted a similar rule; and in the US, states permit 'whole family cemeteries.' Recently, national outrage over the death of community dog Orelha in Santa Catarina reflects shifting sensitivities.
