Two adolescents suspected of attacking the dog Orelha gave statements to police in Florianópolis on Monday, amid an investigation hampered by a lack of concrete evidence. Their lawyer claims the indications are weak and that the youths are already facing severe social punishment, unable to leave home. The probe advances with video analysis and statements, while adults face scrutiny for witness coercion.
The investigation into the death of the dog Orelha, a stray about 10 years old cared for by the community on Praia Brava in Florianópolis (SC), saw new developments on Monday (2) with statements from two adolescent suspects in the January 4 attack. The animal was beaten with sticks, found injured on January 16, and died from its wounds, without euthanasia, as corrected by Santa Catarina's Civil Police chief, Ulisses Gabriel.
Lawyer Alexandre Kale, representing the youths, called the statement "tranquil" and the evidence against them "quite fragile," with no concrete proof. "These boys suffered a digital inquisition and the damage is irreparable. Both cannot leave home for anything. In practice, they are already imprisoned," Kale stated, noting threats even to investigators and vowing compensation from those who shared images of the minors. He believes analysis of seized cellphones and Praia Brava cameras will prove their innocence.
Police, led by delegate Mardjoli Valcareggi, are reviewing about 1,000 hours of footage from 14 security cameras, but none capture the attack on Orelha—only an assault on another dog, Caramelo, who escaped an attempted drowning. Initially four suspects, one was cleared as a witness after his family proved an alibi. The defense claims virtual lynching stemmed from a photo of trash bin vandalism taken by the condo doorman on January 12, later shared in a WhatsApp group implying involvement in the crime.
Search warrants were executed on January 26, citing three adults—two parents and an uncle of the adolescents—for witness coercion. The case gained national attention after shares by influencers like Ana Castela and activists, sparking protests in São Paulo, Florianópolis, and other cities over the weekend. Ulisses Gabriel denied links to online Discord challenges and countered bias accusations, including his adoption of Caramelo and an old photo with Kale, threatening a damages lawsuit.
