Animais como titulares de interesses juridicamente protegidos: Uma análise à luz da bioética e do biodireito sanitário

The legal protection of animals is a topic of growing relevance to Bioethics, Sanitary Biolaw, Environmental Law, and Animal Law. The 1988 Federal Constitution modified the traditional understanding of the relationship between humans and animals by mandating the protection of fauna and prohibiting practices that subject them to cruelty [1]. This article analyzes the legal status of animals within the Brazilian legal system, emphasizing the distinction between legal protection, the holding of rights, and legal personality. It also examines sentience as the bioethical foundation for animal protection and the possibility of recognizing animals as holders of legally protected interests. The analysis considers the legal doctrine of Hachem and Gussoli, as well as the jurisprudence of the Supreme Federal Court in the Farra do Boi and vaquejada cases. Finally, it addresses the controversy surrounding the export of live cattle through the Port of Santos. The study concludes that the legal protection of animals stems from their condition as sentient beings and the existence of legally relevant interests recognized by the Constitution, regardless of the formal attribution of legal personality.