Santa Catarina woman sentenced for ordering death of daughter's dog

A woman in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, has been sentenced to four years, three months, and 10 days of imprisonment for orchestrating the death of her daughter's pet dog.

According to the state Public Ministry, the woman paid R$ 100 to have the animal killed because she was dissatisfied with its presence in the home. The dog died following physical assaults and mechanical asphyxiation by suffocation, as confirmed by necropsy reports.

The 1st Criminal Court of Jaraguá do Sul applied environmental legislation regarding animal cruelty resulting in death. The court identified five aggravating factors in the sentencing: base motive, planning and financing, the crime occurring at night, breach of family trust, and the use of cruel means.

The defendant will initially serve her sentence in a semi-open regime and is prohibited from owning or keeping animals for a specified period. She maintains the right to appeal the decision while remaining free.