In a tumultuous unfolding of events, Brazilian actress Letícia Sabatella is fighting to regain custody of her beloved dogs, Bertoldo and Bebê, who were reportedly adopted without her consent. This incident has stirred public interest and debate, raising questions about animal welfare and responsibility.
The saga began when Sabatella took to social media to express her outrage, claiming that the dogs were taken under the care of a veterinarian friend during a personal crisis, only to be put up for adoption without her knowledge. According to Sabatella, she was occupied caring for her sick mother in Curitiba while her partner, actor Daniel Dantas, was undergoing health issues. "I have proof that I always took care of the animals with love... I didn’t expect them to be separated and adopted without me being consulted," she stated in a heartfelt video posted online.
On March 19, 2025, she urged the public for assistance in reclaiming her pets, emphasizing that the new families were not informed of the dogs’ original ownership. She highlighted the emotional distress caused by the situation and confirmed that she filed a complaint at the Taquara Police Station in Rio de Janeiro as the events developed.
Erica Faria from the animal shelter Cãorrijo, which facilitated the adoption, asserted that both dogs were abandoned and neglected while under Sabatella’s care. Faria revealed during an interview that Bertoldo and Bebê were found to be suffering from malnutrition and various injuries and that she had repeatedly tried to contact Sabatella regarding the dogs’ welfare.
Further complicating the matter, veterinarian Adriene Firmo, who took care of Bertoldo and Bebê, claimed to have spent 25 consecutive days at Sabatella's property, where she found the animals infested with parasites and emotionally distressed. "I couldn’t bear to see the suffering of these animals. Placing them for adoption was the best decision for their well-being," she remarked.
In the ongoing discourse, Firmo accused Sabatella not only of negligence but also of failing to contribute financially for the care of the dogs, despite having a substantial history of interactions with them. Firmo claimed that on several occasions, the dogs returned to her care looking significantly healthier, suggesting neglect while living with Sabatella.
In defense, Sabatella and Dantas emphasized that they had always cared for Bertoldo and Bebê since rescuing them as puppies. They insisted that any injuries observed were mere results of the dogs being allowed to roam freely in a nature-preserved area, manageable, and common for animals living outdoors. "We’ve never had any formal allegations of mistreatment," Dantas clarified, expressing the shock he felt regarding the allegations and the manner in which the dogs were adopted out.
The actress also lambasted the release of photos showcasing the dogs’ injuries, as presented by Cãorrijo, calling it a violation of privacy. She claimed that the images were misrepresentative of her actions and shared the emotional turmoil brought upon them during this distressing time. "To the new families, I plead with you to alleviate the burden of this injustice. We have all been misled," she concluded, intertwining her appeals with layers of compassion for both the new guardians and her dogs.
As the issue escalated, both Sabatella and Dantas committed to pursuing legal action against those involved in the adoption process, citing a significant loss of trust and an indignation over the way the situation has been handled. They emphasized gathering all evidence of their status as guardians, including photographs, veterinary bills, and acknowledgments of their longstanding relationship with Bertoldo and Bebê.
"We have irrefutable proof, such as expense notes and digital documents, that verify our enduring companionship with these animals, while the shelter offers contradictory statements that undermine their claims," Dantas asserted.
In the midst of this emotional and legal battle, Letícia Sabatella remains hopeful that the families who have adopted the dogs can work with them find a resolution, rather than viewing them as adversaries in a complex scenario fraught with emotion.
For the time being, both parties are poised to address the matter in court, emphasizing a commitment to uncovering the truth behind the events leading to the dogs’ adoption.
As this story continues to evolve, it sheds light on the interconnected responsibilities of pet ownership and the potential consequences when trust falters in times of personal illness and distress.
