THE PROTECTION OF NON-HUMAN ANIMALS IN MULTISPECIES FAMILIES’DISSOLUTION: CUSTODY, VISITATION, AND SUPPORT

Abstract

This research is based on the theory that determines the debiologization of family relationships, that values ​​the affective bond over the biological bond. This allows the composition of the family arrangement with individuals who do not belong to the human race. Thus, it is analyzed whether there is legal protection for non-human animals when the dissolution of multispecies families occurs, which is the research problem. It seeks as a general objective to identify the possibilities already conceived by the Brazilian legal system to protect non-human members who belong to multiple and varied families in terms of their constituents. In order for the goals to be achieved, the deductive method was used in the approach and development of the text. Indirect research techniques were also applied, especially bibliographic and documentary (legislation and jurisprudence). As a result, it was observed that the doctrine and the Brazilian Courts have conceived the protection of non-human beings that are part of the families, whether in the adoption of institutes such as a responsible animal care and the right of visit (and not mere possession), or as to the right to maintenance support or alimony (and not just the responsibility for expenses arising from self-moving goods), but the amendment of the Civil Code and the refinement of the specific legislation on this theme are still important.