Former Globo actress, Rejane Schumann, is rescued in Porto Alegre in abandoned conditions

At 74, Rejane Schumann, a former Globo TV actress known for roles in novels like Dancin’ Days (1978) and Pai Herói (1979), was found in inhumane conditions in her apartment in the Moinhos de Vento neighborhood, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The discovery occurred during a Civil Police operation, prompted by activist Deise Falci from the Vem Adotar organization, to rescue four dogs and three cats following reports of animal mistreatment. At the scene, the activist encountered an unsanitary environment filled with garbage, feces, and a strong urine odor, where Rejane lived without food, water, or basic hygiene, showing signs of dementia. The operation, initially focused on the animals, turned into a humanitarian effort to assist the elderly woman, who prioritized feeding her pets over her own needs. Volunteers cleaned the apartment and collected donations, while Rejane, emotional, thanked strangers for their support.

The shocking situation mobilized the local community. After neighbors’ complaints about odors and constant barking, the intervention revealed the severity of the neglect.

• Conditions of the place: Apartment filled with garbage, scattered feces, and no cleaning supplies.
• Rejane’s state: Unbathed for months, malnourished, with an empty fridge.
• Animals: Four dogs and three cats with food but in an inadequate environment.
• Immediate action: Animal rescue and apartment cleaning effort.

The case exposed the vulnerability of elderly people living alone in urban centers.

Alarming situation in the apartment

The arrival of the Civil Police and Deise Falci at Rejane’s apartment revealed an extremely precarious scenario. The property, located in a residential building in Moinhos de Vento, was overtaken by garbage, animal feces, and a strong urine smell noticeable from the street. The actress’s fridge was completely empty, lacking food or drinking water, and the bathroom had no electricity, worsening the lack of hygiene. Rejane, showing signs of dementia, interacted with moments of lucidity but displayed confusion in conversations with the team. Despite this, she kept food and water available for the seven animals, highlighting her emotional bond with the pets, even amidst her own fragility. The activist reported feeling a greater urgency to help the elderly woman than the animals, which, though in poor conditions, were fed.

The unsanitary environment endangered the health of all occupants. The absence of cleaning supplies and Rejane’s practice of throwing animal feces out the window underscored the severity of the situation. After the initial intervention, the animals were taken to a veterinary clinic, where one dog was diagnosed with mange and two cats with flea infestations.

Community mobilization to help

The response to Rejane’s situation was immediate and involved various community sectors. Volunteers, led by Deise Falci, organized a cleaning effort that transformed the apartment. The group removed waste, disinfected the space, and replaced the filthy mattress where Rejane slept with a new one, also providing sheets, pillows, and blankets. Donations of non-perishable food, hygiene products, and medications arrived through social media campaigns, ensuring supplies for the first weeks of recovery.

• Received donations: Food, cleaning products, and bedding items.
• Medical support: Initial evaluation confirmed dementia and malnutrition.
• Financial campaign: Online fundraiser to cover consultations and care.
• Community involvement: Neighbors and activists collaborated in the effort.

Rejane, moved to tears, expressed gratitude for the help from strangers, highlighting the solidarity in a moment of vulnerability. The activist chose not to share images of the former actress on social media, preserving her dignity.

Rejane Schumann’s remarkable career

Rejane Schumann, born in Canoas (RS) on June 30, 1949, left a mark on Brazilian television in the 1970s with roles in iconic Globo novels. With degrees in Law and Theater, she brought depth to characters in productions like O Feijão e o Sonho (1976), Espelho Mágico (1977), Dancin’ Days (1978), and Pai Herói (1979). Her presence in Dancin’ Days influenced cultural trends of the time, with costumes and soundtracks becoming references. Beyond TV, Rejane acted in films like O Grande Rodeio (1975) and worked as a journalist, writing about culture and women’s rights.

• Notable novels: Dancin’ Days and Pai Herói among the successes.
• Cinema: Roles in regional films in southern Brazil.
• Journalism: Articles on culture and interviews with public figures.
• Education: Law degree with a focus on social causes.

Her artistic journey contrasts starkly with her current situation, underscoring the impact of isolation and lack of family support.

Police action and ongoing investigation

The Rio Grande do Sul Civil Police, through the 15th Porto Alegre Precinct, is monitoring the case. Although no intentional animal mistreatment was identified, the operation highlighted the dire conditions Rejane was living in. Activist Deise Falci reported that individuals with access to the actress’s credit cards were summoned to provide statements, raising suspicions of potential financial scams.

• Investigation: Inquiry into the misuse of credit cards.
• Civil Police: Monitoring the case with no evidence of animal cruelty.
• Legal support: Public Prosecutor’s Office engaged to evaluate protective measures.

The police intervention ensured the safe removal of the animals and the start of a process to provide ongoing care for the elderly woman, including contact with distant relatives, such as a brother with whom Rejane had little contact.

Role of activist Deise Falci

Deise Falci, head of the Vem Adotar organization, is a recognized figure in Rio Grande do Sul for her work in animal protection. Her efforts during the 2024 floods, when she rescued hundreds of dogs and cats from flooded areas, gained national attention. In Rejane’s case, Deise quickly mobilized resources, using her social media influence to raise donations and organize support teams.

• Background: Rescues during 2024 floods, saving over a thousand animals.
• Current action: Leading the cleaning and support for Rejane.
• Engagement: Using social media to raise public awareness.
• Organization: Vem Adotar focuses on responsible pet adoption.

The activist plans to create a continuous assistance group for Rejane, including psychological and medical follow-up, as well as support to organize her finances and bills.

Solidarity as a response to vulnerability

Rejane Schumann’s story caused a stir in Porto Alegre and beyond, highlighting the importance of community solidarity. The mobilization of volunteers, donations, and professional support transformed the environment where the former actress lived, offering her basic conditions of dignity. The apartment cleanup, which took about eight hours, eliminated health risks and restored the space’s habitability.

The situation also shed light on the need for greater attention to elderly individuals living alone. Rejane, with no children and limited contact with family, represents a vulnerable group often overlooked in large cities. The intervention underscored the role of neighbors’ complaints, which, though initially focused on the animals, were crucial in exposing the severity of the case.

• Cleanup impact: Apartment became habitable after the effort.
• Donations: Food and hygiene items ensure initial support.
• Ongoing support: Plans for medical and social follow-up.

Rejane’s story reinforces the need for community support networks capable of identifying and addressing cases of neglect before they become critical.

Future for Rejane and the animals

The four dogs and three cats rescued were sent to temporary homes after receiving veterinary care. The Vem Adotar organization is responsible for finding permanent adopters, ensuring the animals are placed in suitable conditions. One dog diagnosed with mange and two cats with fleas are under special care but are expected to be available for adoption soon.

For Rejane, support continues with the formation of a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, social workers, and volunteers. Exams confirmed her dementia, requiring ongoing care. Activist Deise Falci maintains the fundraising campaign to cover medication and consultation costs, while the Public Prosecutor’s Office evaluates measures to protect the elderly woman from potential financial abuse.

• Animals’ fate: Temporary homes and responsible adoption.
• Care for Rejane: Medical and psychological follow-up.
• Financial support: Fundraiser to cover treatments.
• Legal protection: Investigation into credit card misuse.

The solidarity shown in the case offers hope for Rejane, who now has a chance to regain some quality of life.