São Paulo enacts law allowing pets to be buried with owners, inspired by loyal dog Bob

In Brief

São Paulo passes law permitting pet burials alongside owners, named after dog Bob who stayed by owner's grave for 10 years

Key Facts

• Bob, a dog, lived in a São Paulo cemetery beside his owner's grave for 10 years until his death in 2021
• The new law allows pets to be buried alongside their owners in São Paulo state
• The law is informally called the Bob Coveiro (the Gravedigger) Law in tribute to Bob
• The law was signed by Tarcísio de Freitas, governor of São Paulo, Brazil's most populous state
• The law is described as recognizing the emotional bond between guardians and their pets

What Happened

Bob, a dog who remained beside his owner's grave in a São Paulo cemetery for 10 years until 2021, inspired a new law in São Paulo state. The law, informally named the Bob Coveiro Law, permits pets to be buried alongside their owners. It was signed recently by the state's governor, Tarcísio de Freitas.

Why It Matters

The law establishes a legal framework for pet burials alongside owners in São Paulo. It reflects official recognition of the relationship between pet guardians and their animals as stated in the law's description.