Orelha case

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The Orelha the dog case refers to the death of a community dog named Orelha on January 4, 2026, in Praia Brava, a neighborhood in northern Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, where he had lived for ten years and was informally cared for by local residents. Orelha was found weakened and was later euthanized at a veterinary clinic. The early released veterinary report indicated that Orelha suffered a severe head injury, likely caused by a blunt object such as a piece of wood or bottle. However, an expert report prepared by a veterinary expert after exhuming the dog's body ruled out the possibility of recent trauma consistent with abuse. The Civil Police of Santa Catarina, responsible for the investigation, executed search and seizure warrants against four teenagers allegedly involved in Orelha's death and their legal guardians, and indicted three adults suspected of coercing a witness. Initial inquiries suggested the teenagers had also attempted to drown a caramelo dog, though this was later ruled out by police. In addition to animal cruelty, they are being investigated for other offenses recorded that month, including theft of alcoholic beverages, property damage, and disturbance of the peace. In a statement submitted to the court, the Public Prosecutor's Office of Santa Catarina requested the complete dismissal of the case, since they decided to take a pay out from the families of the teenagers involved. The main hypothesis for the animal's death was a serious health condition. Judge Vanessa Bonetti Haupenthal, of the Children's Court of the Court of Justice of Santa Catarina, agreed with the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office request and decided to close the case. The case received nationwide and international media coverage, sparking public debate about lowering the age of criminal responsibility in Brazil, leading to the proposal of a bill called...