The mother of a 15-year-old boy suspected of attacking a dog in Brazil claims her family has been living in fear due to threats received on social media after the case gained national attention.
The mother of a 15-year-old boy, identified by the Santa Catarina Civil Police as a suspect in the attack on a dog named Orelha at Praia Brava in Florianópolis, Brazil, has revealed that her family is experiencing heightened anxiety and fear as a result of threats made against them on social media following the publicizing of the case. She expressed that they feel they need to 'defend against the unimaginable', suggesting the gravity of the backlash and public perception surrounding her son's alleged involvement in the incident.
In an interview, the mother stated that the family believes her son is innocent and has stated that there is no evidence linking him to the case, at times feeling trapped in a situation that has spiraled beyond their control. She emphasized that there is no indication that her son was involved in the events that led to the dog's death, and feels that the case requires further investigation to clarify the circumstances involved.
Furthermore, the Santa Catarina Public Ministry has requested additional inquiries into the matter before it is forwarded to the judiciary, acknowledging potential gaps in the initial investigation. The police have requested the boy's internment for legal consequences, a decision that has raised questions from experts concerning the appropriateness of such measures given his age and the specific legal protections guaranteed under the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA), which prohibits identifying minors accused of criminal acts.
