Khaberni - The killing of a street dog named «Aurelia» has turned into a national issue that sparked widespread outrage in Brazil, where thousands of citizens took to the streets in several major cities over the past weekend under the slogan «Justice for Aurelia».
The dog, a sociable animal with black and brown fur and of no specific breed, had been living for about ten years in Praia Brava, a posh beach and neighborhood in the city of Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina in the south of the country. «Aurelia» was considered a «symbol» of the neighborhood, receiving food and care from residents, merchants, and visitors for years.
According to initial investigations by the Civil Police in Santa Catarina, the dog suffered a brutal assault and torture at the beginning of January 2026, leading to severe injuries, and after being transferred to a veterinary clinic, it could not survive the serious wounds and was euthanized.
The investigations indicated the involvement of four teenagers in the assault, which further fueled the outrage after attempts to intimidate witnesses by some adults linked to the suspects were revealed, prompting the police to carry out raids and confiscate phones and devices.
In recent days, several cities witnessed mass demonstrations, where thousands gathered in the city of Florianopolis in front of the State Courthouse, using sound vehicles, banners, and candles, and in Sao Paulo, large protests took place in front of the Museum of Modern Art, and in Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Manaus, Vitoria and other cities.
Mass demonstrations sweep Brazil after the death of a famous street dog.. «Justice for Aurelia»
Protesters chanted slogans like «Justice for Aurelia», «Brutality against animals is a crime», with banners that read «No to Impunity», calling for tougher penalties on animal abuse, swift investigations, and some called for a discussion on lowering the age of criminal responsibility.
In Brazil, animal abuse has been a crime under environmental law since 1998, with penalties ranging from 2 to 5 years in prison for killing or torturing animals. However, many activists believe that enforcement is weak and penalties are not deterrent, especially when it involves minors.
In recent days, social media was filled with video clips showing Aurelia curiously wandering around at a wedding reception or approaching fishermen on the beach.
