LEGITIMIZING MULTISPECIES CITIES: SYNANTHROPIC ANIMALS IN THE BRAZILIAN LAWS AND THE PATHS FOR THE CONQUEST OF DENIZENSHIP

Abstract

Urban environments are shared with synanthropic animals. The coexistence in these
places may produce territorial, sanitary and environmental conflicts that affect the
welfare of those involved. In general, the public sectors responsible for such
problems prioritize the interests of certain species, reproducing patterns of social
injustice. Analyzing the regulatory and governance instruments aimed at such
animals can trace paths for a better interspecies coexistence. Based on this premise,
a documentary and bibliographic-deductive research was done on the legislation
and the main Brazilian public policies, of three states of the federation (Paraná,
Santa Catarina and Paraíba) and their respective capitals. From classification tool
developed, it was observed that legal resources present primary levels of protection.
Among the possible explanations are the stigmatization of certain taxonomic groups
and the diffuse biological labels used in specific laws. We suggest that a harmonious
coexistence requires structural transformations that involve overcoming ecological
and anthropocentric paradigms.