Hortolândia and Palotina bolster anonymous animal cruelty reporting in Brazil

The municipality of Hortolândia (Brazil) has established an anonymous reporting system for animal mistreatment, allowing citizens to send information via WhatsApp (19 99979‑5115) or the Agenda Verde mobile app. The city records about 300 complaints per year, which are reviewed by veterinary staff and may lead to technical guidance, fines or criminal investigation under Federal Law 9.605/1998.

Following media coverage of similar issues, residents of Palotina reported new cases of abandoned dogs near the João Leopoldo Jacomel Exhibition Park. Community members provide food and care, but the municipality warns that abandonment is a crime punishable by imprisonment and fines. Authorities urge residents to report incidents anonymously to local officials, emphasizing the need for responsible pet ownership and the legal consequences of cruelty.