Brazil: Bill amending Environmental Crimes Law to criminalise digital content of hate and violence against animals (PL 519/2026) was introduced to Chamber of Deputies

On 11 February 2026, the Bill amending the Environmental Crimes Law to criminalise digital content of hate and violence against animals (PL 519/2026) was introduced to the Chamber of Deputies. It applies to individuals who incite, transmit, propagate, or disseminate digital content containing hate speech or violence against animals via the internet, social media, messaging applications, or other digital means. It would insert Article 32-B into the Environmental Crimes Law and establish penalties of 2 to 5 years of imprisonment and fines for sharing content depicting abuse, maltreatment, injury, or mutilation of animals, promoting cruelty or sadism, or providing instructions for acts of violence against animals. Penalties would be increased by one-third to two-thirds in cases of aggravating circumstances, including the coordination of virtual groups, participation in online "challenges", financial gain or monetisation, and live streaming. The Bill would also impose the same penalty on any person who, in a systematic and intentional manner, finances, sponsors, or provides technological means for the operation or maintenance of platforms or groups dedicated to such activities.