Lawmakers in the Brazilian city of Cuiaba had some unexpected visitors during a voting session – a couple of capybaras that wandered into the legislative building from a nearby park. The rodents, which are the largest in the world and can weigh up to 175 pounds, calmly explored the area before being herded out by a staffer.
The incident occurred on July 30 and was captured on video by Nayara Bueno, who works at the Mato Grosso state legislature. According to her, the capybaras are frequent visitors to the building, so the staff is used to seeing them around.
The semi-aquatic animals are known for their relaxed disposition and are highly social creatures that typically reside near water in groups. They seem to have made themselves at home in the park near the legislative building, and their visit did not cause any damage to the premises.
Bueno said in a statement that the capybaras’ visits are not unusual, and the staff has grown accustomed to their presence. This incident is not the first time animals have made an appearance in a legal setting in Brazil.
In 2019, a stray cat named Dr. Leon Advogato became an official employee of the Order of Attorneys of Brazil after charming visitors and staff at the building. Advogato had initially entered the building to escape the rain and went on to inspire the establishment of a not-for-profit organization focused on animal welfare.
Brazil has been praised for its strong animal protection laws, including a nationwide ban on cosmetic tattoos and piercings for dogs and cats. The country has also passed the Sansão Law, which imposes harsh penalties on those who commit acts of cruelty against animals.
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In 2020, the Sansão Law was passed in response to the brutality experienced by a dog named Sansão. The law imposes penalties of up to five years in jail, heavy fines, and a ban on owning animals for those who violate it. The Superior Court of Justice of Brazil has also recognized pets as sentient beings, deciding that they should not be considered property.
The capybaras’ visit to the legislative building may have been a surprise to some, but it shows the city’s wildlife and the staff’s ability to adapt to unexpected situations.
Brazil’s strong animal protection laws and the recognition of pets as sentient beings have set a precedent for other countries to follow. The establishment of organizations like Instituto Dr. Leon has also helped raise awareness about animal welfare and the importance of protecting animals from cruelty and neglect.
Last year, Brazil implemented a nationwide ban on cosmetic tattoos and piercings for dogs and cats. The Sansão Law and other animal protection laws in Brazil impose harsh penalties on those who commit acts of cruelty against animals.
For now, the capybaras that visited the legislative building in Cuiaba will remain a memorable example of the unique relationship between humans and wildlife in Brazil. Their calm and peaceful nature, as seen in the video captured by Bueno, is a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting animals and their habitats.
