STF Upholds Suspension of Rio Law on Free In‑Cabin Emotional‑Support Animals

Overview

• The Supreme Court plenary confirmed Minister André Mendonça’s injunction that suspended Rio de Janeiro’s Lei 10.489/2024.
• The case, ADI 7754 filed by the National Transport Confederation, challenged the state’s attempt to mandate free in‑cabin transport.
• Ministers Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Dino, Cristiano Zanin, Luiz Fux, Dias Toffoli, Cármen Lúcia and Edson Fachin voted to deem the law unconstitutional.
• The suspended law required airlines to carry emotional‑support animals at no cost while allowing refusals based on size, breed or weight and excluding reptiles, spiders and rodents.
• Under current ANAC rules, transport of emotional‑support animals is optional and paid, and airlines may deny boarding for space limitations or safety risks; guide dogs travel free nationwide.