Historia Crítica

Hist. Crit. | eISSN 1900-6152 | ISSN 0121-1617

Lex Animalia: Animal Regulations and Control in Fortaleza, Brazil, During the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century

No. 99 (2026-01-29)
  • Yuri Simonini
    Centro Universitário do Rio Grande do Norte/Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.
    ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2025-082X
https://doi.org/10.7440/histcrit99.2026.07

Abstract

Objective/context: At the end of the nineteenth century, the relationship between animals and urban space in Brazilian cities like Fortaleza (Ceará) underwent significant changes, with increased regulation of their movement and occupation. Municipal authorities intensified inspections and imposed sanctions, especially on animals, while society monitored their enforcement. This study aims to understand the impact of the presence of animals in the capital of Ceará since the implementation of the Animal Control Codes. Methodology: This article employs Irus Braveman’s concepts to analyze animal mobility regulations. The documentary sources are newspapers from Ceará from the second half of the nineteenth century, which have been examined and cross-referenced with the department’s legislation. Originality: Animal studies enable us to reexamine documentary sources from fresh perspectives, emphasizing animal agency and the urban environment. Conclusions: The study found that restrictions mainly targeted medium-sized animals, especially pigs, which were subject to specific laws banning them from urban areas.

Keywords: animals, urban development, urban environmental history, legislation, Brazil

References

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