Brazilians are protesting after a much-loved community dog was brutally beaten in an alleged case of animal cruelty that has captured worldwide attention. Orelha, a 10-year-old dog affectionately cared for by locals and tourists in the affluent beachside neighbourhood of Praia Brava in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, was found gravely injured on January 4 following an alleged attack by a group of teenagers. 

The dog, known to residents as a friendly presence who wandered freely along the sand and was regularly fed and petted, suffered severe trauma consistent with a violent beating, according to veterinary reports. Orelha’s injuries, including a fractured skull, were so devastating that he had to be euthanised the following day to end his suffering.

The local police have identified four adolescents as suspects in the attack. Security footage and multiple witness statements have been cited in court filings, and authorities have carried out search warrants related to the case. Additionally, three adults have been charged with coercing a witness to interfere with the investigation.

In a recent development, a judge authorised the exhumation of Orelha’s body for additional forensic analysis to strengthen the case record and clarify details of the injuries.

Since news of the attack spread, thousands of Brazilians – many accompanied by their own pets – have marched through cities including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Florianópolis under the banner #JustiçaPorOrelha (Justice for Orelha).

Animal-rights activists and local residents say the case has become emblematic of broader concerns about violence against animals.

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Orelha was not the only dog living in the beach kennels. A campaigner who wishes to stay anonymous named two others – Blackie and Caramelo – who she said shared the same stretch of sand for years. The investigation looked into the attempted drowning of Caramelo, which survived. For that incident, the police filed a legal representation against four adolescents.

Disturbingly, activists allege the teenagers may have been using online platforms to communicate and even live-stream the abuse and encourage other people to do similar crimes.

The campaigner told the Express: “It’s just disgusting.

“The global laws need to change on animal cruelty, because the laws are not strong enough.”

The governor of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello, has said that the violent attack on Orelha should prompt changes to the law governing juvenile offenders – including a possible reduction in the age at which young people can be held criminally responsible. The police have identified at least four adolescents suspected of participating in the attack.

Mello criticised the fact that, because they are underage, they will be judged under current juvenile laws rather than in the adult criminal system. He described existing penalties for adolescents as too lenient for such serious behaviour. According to the Humane Society, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans.

He added that the inquiry so far suggests the episode may involve more than animal cruelty, mentioning evidence of coercion, threats, and illegal possession of a weapon.