Teenager Apprehended for Torturing Over 200 Kittens During Live Streams

A 15 year old teenager was apprehended in Maranhão under suspicion of torturing more than 200 kittens during live broadcasts on digital platforms. The operation followed a six month monitoring period by the Digital Observation and Analysis Nucleus (Noad) of the Sao Paulo State Secretariat of Public Security. The Civil Police of Maranhão executed search and seizure warrants as well as an internship order issued by the court, seizing a mobile phone during the process. The investigation was conducted with support from the Federal Police.

According to delegada Lisandrea Salvariego, the coordinator of Noad, the suspect allegedly mistreated five to six animals per dawn. The teenager is also under investigation for inducing victims to engage in self harm and reportedly sent threats to the delegada during the investigation. He will be transferred to Sao Paulo to serve the court ordered internship measure.

This case highlights a rise in virtual zoosadism, with Noad reporting a 200 percent increase in such cases between 2025 and 2026. Since its creation in November 2024, the nucleus has saved approximately 1,200 animals, including dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. Additionally, the unit has rescued 411 victims of rape, self harm, and instigation to suicide on digital platforms.

Other recent Noad operations include the August 5 arrest of a 21 year old man in Rio de Janeiro for distributing cruel images of cats and possessing child pornography. In March, another man was arrested in Fortaleza for the suspected killing and torture of over 100 animals during live streams.