Law No. 14.378 creating the Executive Secretariat for Animal Protection within the State Secretariat of Health.

This Law establishes the Executive Secretariat for Animal Protection within the organizational structure of the State Secretariat of Health of Paraíba, with the primary objective of coordinating, integrating and strengthening public policies aimed at the health, protection, defense and welfare of animals. The law amends the existing administrative framework to formally incorporate animal protection into the state health governance system, recognizing the interconnection between animal welfare, public health and zoonotic disease control. To achieve these objectives, the law creates a specialized institutional structure composed of executive, operational and technical units responsible for animal health services, rescue and shelter operations, inspection and handling of complaints, zoonosis surveillance, policy formulation, and public education and awareness. It also defines specific mandates and responsibilities for each unit, ensuring the effective implementation, monitoring and enforcement of state animal protection policies. The law thereby provides the legal and administrative foundation for a comprehensive, coordinated and preventive approach to animal protection within the public health framework of the State of Paraíba.