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Dog Reported as 'Marked for Death' Is Shot in Rio Favela as City Reports Rise in Attacks

City officials warn of a rise in pets shot either in crossfire or after being marked by traffickers, reflecting the reach of a “parallel power” in favelas.

Overview

  • Irajá, a dog in the Para-Pedro community in Irajá, was shot in the front left leg after residents said traffickers had marked the animal for death.
  • Veterinarians at Hospital Jorge Vaitsman operated on Irajá, who is recovering and will be sent to a municipal shelter for adoption after discharge.
  • Municipal animal-protection secretary Luiz Ramos Filho said shootings of animals have become frequent, occurring either during police-criminal confrontations or after targeting by local criminal groups.
  • The Military Police stated there was no operation underway in Para-Pedro at the time Irajá was hit.
  • Within the prior 24 hours, a dog named Nina was struck by a stray bullet during a confrontation and discharged after surgery, and an earlier case, Hércules, remains under city care after being shot in Batan.