Porto Alegre couple charged with cruelty in death of dog 'Branquinho'

The Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul (MPRS) filed criminal charges against a couple from Porto Alegre for the murder of a dog known as “Branquinho” and for extensive mistreatment of other animals. Surveillance footage showed the dog being dragged by its neck with a rope and repeatedly struck with a pickaxe in November 2025. The prosecutor asked for preventive detention of the man, citing a high risk of recidivism, while the woman has been in custody since May. A second complaint alleges abuse of seven dogs, a cat, three horses and 24 chickens kept in severe neglect, lacking food, water and adequate shelter. Veterinary reports confirmed physical and psychological suffering, leading to the seizure of the animals by civil police and the municipal animal‑care office. The ministry also requested an indefinite suspension of any future animal ownership by the defendants.