Authorities in the interior of São Paulo, particularly in Sorocaba and Jundiaí, are sounding the alarm over a notable increase in animal mistreatment cases. Recently, a distressing incident occurred where a dog was hit by a vehicle and discarded in a garbage container in Porto Feliz, marking it as the fifth case of its kind in just 30 days. The growing number of reports indicates an urgent need for addressing this issue, with Sorocaba alone reporting 218 complaints in the year 2026 and a shocking 44% increase in reports over the last six months.

The data reveals that within a semester, Sorocaba has logged over a thousand cases of animal mistreatment, emphasizing the alarming trend of neglect and abuse. The statistics are backed by the Secretaria do Meio Ambiente, Proteção e Bem-Estar Animal (Sema), which is tasked with animal welfare oversight. According to Brazilian law, specifically Federal Law No. 9.605/1998, acts of animal mistreatment can lead to serious legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines, depending on the severity of the crime which encompasses physical violence, neglect, abandonment, poisoning, and torture.

During an interview with TV TEM, the president of the Environmental Law and Animal Protection Commission of the OAB (Brazilian Bar Association) in Porto Feliz underscored the urgent need for stronger laws to combat the rising rates of animal cruelty. Advocates argue that without stricter regulations and enforcement, the situation may continue to deteriorate, and more animals will suffer from cruelty and neglect. Laws and robust community support are vital in reversing this disturbing trend and ensuring the protection of vulnerable animals.