Man Indicted for Drowning Dog in Copacabana Sea; Security Footage Shows Animal's Final Moments

A 47-year-old man, identified as Thiago Mattos Rocha, has been indicted and charged with animal cruelty by the Civil Police in Rio de Janeiro. An investigation concluded that Rocha drowned his own dog, a male American Bully named Prince, in the sea off Copacabana beach on April 23. Security camera footage captured Prince's last moments, showing him happily accompanying Rocha from their apartment building around 7:30 PM. The video documented their walk through the streets and onto the beach, reaching the water's edge by 7:53 PM. Less than five minutes later, Rocha was seen leaving the beach alone, while Prince was no longer visible. Rocha then ran across Avenida Atlântica and returned to his residence. Investigators believe the drowning occurred during this interval. Garbage collectors working on the beach that night reported that tourists attempted to rescue the dog, but it was already deceased. The incident gained traction on social media after images of the deceased animal on the sand circulated. According to the investigation, approximately one hour after returning home, Rocha and his wife packed their belongings and left their apartment. Building staff had noticed Rocha disposing of furniture and other items in the days prior. Rocha has not been seen since, with police suggesting he left Copacabana following a family dispute. His mother-in-law, the owner of the apartment where Rocha and his wife lived, had obtained a restraining order against him. Rocha was also previously indicted for insult, extortion, and home invasion, which investigators believe may be connected to Prince's death. The delegate stated that Rocha decided to leave Copacabana, began selling his possessions, and his final act was drowning the dog before departing for an unknown location.