Update: 2/27/26

The fight for justice in the Orelha case continues in Santa Catarina, as new developments emerge.

According to Samantha Grace, who has been reporting on the case, the majority of the municipal council voted against a motion supporting federalization, failing by just two votes. Federalization would transfer the case to Brazil’s federal authorities, rather than keeping it under local jurisdiction.

The vote has sparked worldwide outrage, especially after a councilwoman who publicly campaigned for federalization and launched a petition ultimately voted against the motion. Legal experts say federalization is still possible through other legal channels.

According to reports, several alleged suspects have returned to their classes, with images showing at least four individuals giving testimony while their families defend their innocence. Tensions remain high, with reports of confrontations and assaults at school. Advocates stress that violence undermines the pursuit of lawful accountability.

Newly surfaced video and photos are raising questions. Timestamps show one image at 5:58 a.m. and another at 6:12 a.m., depicting a group reportedly together that morning, raising doubts about their claimed activities. A recent video allegedly shows individuals vandalizing property, intensifying public scrutiny.

Supporters hope more evidence, including potential surveillance footage, will surface. The case continues to deeply impact the community, with many grieving, frustrated, and determined to demand accountability.

For now, the case remains under local jurisdiction in Santa Catarina. As developments continue, many are holding onto hope that the truth will fully emerge.

#JusticeForOrelha

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Update: 2/16/26

In a significant development in the heartbreaking case of Orelha, the beloved community dog who was brutally attacked, tortured, and later died from his injuries in Praia Brava, Brazil, authorities in Florianópolis have ordered a new forensic examination.

With judicial authorization, Orelha’s body has been exhumed at the request of the Ministério Público de Santa Catarina. The new analysis is being conducted by the Polícia Científica de Santa Catarina to strengthen the evidence on record as the investigation moves forward.

This additional forensic review is expected to shed further light on the full extent and nature of the injuries Orelha suffered at the hands of his attackers. Prosecutors are working to ensure that every piece of evidence is carefully examined as the case moves forward through Brazil’s juvenile justice system.

Orelha’s tragic death has sparked outrage across Brazil and around the world, with advocates calling for justice and stronger legal enforcement in cases of extreme animal cruelty, especially involving juveniles.

World Animal News will continue to monitor this case closely and report on further developments as they unfold.

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Update: 2/11/26

The case surrounding the brutal killing of Orelha, the beloved community dog from Praia Brava in Florianópolis, Brazil, has now moved into the judicial phase.

Orelha was found tortured and gravely injured on January 4, 2026, and later euthanized due to the severity of his injuries. His death has sparked national outrage and protests across Brazil, with thousands demanding accountability and stronger protections for animals.

The Civil Police of Santa Catarina have formally concluded their investigation. Authorities identified one adolescent as the principal assailant in the beating that led to Orelha’s death and have requested his internment under Brazil’s juvenile justice system. The police report references security footage, witness testimony, and forensic findings as part of the evidence.

The investigation also examined the attempted drowning of another beloved community dog, Caramelo, who thankfully survived.

In addition, three adults were formally indicted for coercion of a witness after investigators determined there were efforts to interfere with testimony during the case.

Although the police have closed the inquiry, the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina (MPSC) has identified gaps in the investigation and requested additional measures. According to reports, prosecutors are considering requesting that Orelha’s body be exhumed for further forensic analysis to resolve remaining questions in the case.

Because minors are involved, key details of the case remain confidential under Brazil’s Statute of the Child and Adolescent, the judicial process is ongoing.

Orelha’s death has ignited a nationwide call for justice and renewed pressure on lawmakers to strengthen enforcement of Brazil’s animal cruelty laws.

WAN will continue to closely monitor official court proceedings and report developments as they unfold.

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Update 2/2/26

Public outrage continues to sweep across Brazil following the tragic killing of Orelha, a 10-year-old beloved community dog. On January 4, 2026, he was attacked and brutally tortured in Praia Brava, Florianópolis, leaving him gravely injured. His wounds were so severe that Orelha had to be euthanized the following day, January 5, at a veterinary clinic, cutting short the life of a dog cherished by his community and leaving a nation in shock and grief.

The case has sparked mass demonstrations across Brazil, including protests in Florianópolis this past weekend, with thousands of people taking to the streets demanding justice and accountability. Demonstrations have also occurred in other cities, as animal advocates and concerned citizens call for stronger enforcement of animal cruelty laws.

According to the Civil Police of Santa Catarina, four teenagers are under investigation in connection with Orelha’s death. Authorities say the case is being examined using witness statements and other evidence, as part of an ongoing investigation.

The investigation has since expanded beyond the teenagers allegedly involved. Police have confirmed that at least three adults are under investigation for obstruction of justice, including allegations of witness intimidation and attempts to interfere with the investigation. One of those under investigation is reportedly a police officer and the father of one of the suspects. Authorities have said this aspect of the case remains ongoing.

The story has also drawn widespread international attention online, with the hashtag #JustiçaPorOrelha (“Justice for Orelha”) trending as supporters demand accountability and stronger legal protections for animals in Brazil.

As the investigation continues, Orelha has become a symbol of the fight against animal cruelty in Brazil, uniting activists and communities across the country to use their voices for those who cannot speak for themselves.

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1/29/26

Communities in Brazil are in shock after the horrifying death of Orelha, a 10-year-old “community dog” cherished by residents of Praia Brava. In early January 2026, he was found tortured and critically injured in a case that has shocked the nation and continues to draw international attention.

According to reports, Orelha’s injuries were so severe that veterinarians had no choice but to euthanize him to end his suffering. His tragic death has left the community heartbroken, mourning the loss of a dog who had been a beloved presence for over a decade.

Authorities have identified at least four to five teenagers as suspects. Reports suggest the attack may have been recorded. At least two of the suspects reportedly fled to Orlando, Florida, shortly after the incident, prompting calls for their return to Brazil to face justice.

The Civil Police of Santa Catarina (PCSC) are leading the investigation. Authorities are treating the case as severe animal cruelty, highlighting the extreme violence inflicted on Orelha.

Orelha’s death has sparked broader concern about how crimes committed by minors are handled in Brazil, raising questions about justice and fairness in such cases.

More than a dog, Orelha was a symbol of community spirit and love. His tragic death is a stark reminder of how vulnerable animals are and the urgent need for accountability. Across Brazil and beyond, people are calling for justice, not just for Orelha, but for all animals who cannot speak for themselves.