Two women are arrested for leaving a dog locked up alone for three days in Rio de Janeiro By Janderson Luiz
3 min read
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Duas owners were arrested by Polícia Civil in the west zone of Rio of Janeiro after leaving a dog locked alone in an apartment for three days. The dog was left without access to water, food or basic care. The case was registered with Delegacia of Proteção Animal after an anonymous report.
The operation resulted in the seizure of the animal, which was sent for veterinary evaluation and subsequent referral to protection institutions. The suspects were charged with animal abandonment and neglect, according to state law.
Descoberta and animal rescue
Vizinhos from the building identified barking coming from the property and called the authorities on the third day of confinement. The animal was dehydrated and showed visible signs of malnutrition. Agentes from the specialized police station arrived at the scene and found the dog in a precarious condition, without any type of provision or basic structure for survival.
The corporation carried out the rescue with the support of veterinarians. The animal was examined and given emergency hydration. Conforme animal welfare protocols, an administrative procedure was opened to determine the definitive fate of the dog.
Antecedentes and criminal liability
Investigations indicate that the two women left the apartment and did not return during that period. Mensagens from neighbors documented complaints about persistent barking. Câmeras from the building’s security team assisted the police in reconstructing the facts and confirmed the absence of the guardians at the scene.
Segundo to Lei of Crimes Ambientais (Lei nº 9,605/1998), abandoning a domestic animal is a crime punishable by imprisonment from three months to one year and a fine. The delegate responsible stated that there are sufficient elements to convict the accused. Ambas will be subject to provisional release, with restrictions on periodic attendance at the police station.
Estatísticas of animal neglect in the capital of Rio de Janeiro
- Denúncias of abandonment registered in 2025: 847 cases
- Apreensões performed by Delegacia of Proteção Animal: 612 animals
- Taxa of anonymous reports: 73% of the total
- Animais forwarded for adoption: 458
- Processos finished with conviction: 156
The specialized police station receives an average of 15 reports a week about animal neglect in the metropolitan region. Profissionais warn that abandonment represents one of the main forms of abuse against dogs and cats. The west zone concentrates 34% of cases registered in the capital.
Procedimentos protection after seizure
The animal undergoes behavioral and physical evaluation. Veterinários check whether there are physical or psychological consequences of prolonged confinement. Conforme legislation, the dog can be placed for responsible adoption after a period of quarantine. Organizações non-governmental partners of the police assist in the reception and rehabilitation of animals.
Centros reception in the west zone works with capacity close to the limit. Voluntários and staff are dedicated to the socialization process of rescued animals. The dog is expected to recover physically within 30 days, according to the preliminary diagnosis.
Legislação and guardians’ responsibility
Owning a domestic animal implies legal obligations. Tutores must ensure adequate food, access to clean water, shelter and veterinary care. Deixar animal confined without provisions for a period exceeding 24 hours constitutes serious negligence in the state of Rio of Janeiro.
The accused may receive an additional sentence if there is proof of deliberate intent to cause suffering. Investigadores collects testimonials from neighbors and camera analysis to clarify whether the abandonment was premeditated or negligence. The women’s defense has not yet commented on the case.
