Court greenlights live cattle exports

The Federal Regional Court of the 3rd Region ruled last week that the export of live cattle from Brazil for slaughter in another country is in accordance with Brazilian legislation and does not constitute mistreatment.

The shipment of this type of cargo was challenged by the National Forum for Animal Protection and Defense, which initially obtained a favorable ruling in 2023. The union appealed to the court, headquartered in São Paulo. The panel of judges voted three to zero to overturn the previous ruling that had prohibited the export of live animals through all ports in the country. The National Forum for Animal Protection and Defense stated it will appeal the decision to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and the Federal Supreme Court (STF).

The NGO expressed its indignation at the court’s position, calling it a “step backward” for the animal cause. “We will not stop fighting to end this cruel practice. We will appeal to the STJ and the STF. It is regrettable that all the evidence presented throughout the trial has been disregarded,” said the Forum’s legal director, Ana Paula de Vasconcelos, in a statement.