Brazil rescues wildlife and domestic animals amid abuse investigations

The Special Environmental Group (GEMA) of the Itatiaia Municipal Guard, together with fire crews, rescued a maned wolf found in the Horto Municipal garden of Vila Odete on 23 May. The animal was taken to the Volta Redonda municipal zoo for health checks and, after being cleared, was released back into its natural habitat.

In Nova Iguaçu, the Animal Protection Commission of the Rio Legislative Assembly (Alerj) rescued three severely malnourished, chained dogs during a raid on 19 May. The dogs' owner was arrested; the animals were transferred to a temporary shelter in Seropédica for veterinary care and recovery.

An anonymous tip in Birigui led municipal guard, city hall and the local shelter to inspect a residence in the Novo Parque São Vicente neighbourhood. Officials found an elderly female dog in a critical, irreversible state and euthanized her to end suffering. Two other dogs on the premises were deemed healthy. The owner was taken for questioning and a police inquiry into possible animal‑cruelty has been opened.