# Global animal cruelty investigations expand > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/animal-cruelty-investigations-across-us-and-south-asia > Updated: 2026-08-23T17:08:00.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 12. Since mid-June 2026, law enforcement and animal protection agencies in various nations have opened investigations following reports of severe puppy and dog mistreatment. Early cases spanned the United States, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Peru, and Mexico, involving incidents such as the repeated throwing of a puppy in Washington, the seizure of nursing puppies in India, and the rescue of malnourished dogs in Lima. In August, data from Brazil highlighted significant activity in animal abuse reporting. In São Paulo, the electronic Animal Protection Police recorded an average of 78 complaints per day between January and June. In Caxias do Sul, the municipal Department of Animal Protection logged 1,609 complaints during the first half of the year—nearly triple the previous year's figures. Authorities attributed these increases to improved online reporting tools and heightened public awareness. Additional incidents were reported in South America. In Chiclayo, Peru, a hit-and-run involving a vehicle led to the death of a two-year-old dog. In La Estrella, Colombia, security footage captured a woman abandoning a dog outside a municipal welfare center; the animal suffered severe dehydration and heatstroke. Under Colombian law, such abandonment is a punishable offense. In early August, rescue operations continued in Mexico and Ecuador. In Progreso, Mexico, the Fauna Protection Unit rescued a dog trapped on a steep slope in a mangrove area. In Riobamba, Ecuador, municipal personnel rescued a dog found chained and suffering from alleged mistreatment; the animal was moved to a veterinary center, and authorities stated they would pursue punitive actions against those responsible. By late August, reports emerged of more severe welfare and public health crises. In San Jerónimo, Peru, residents discovered over 40 abandoned dog heads and limbs in trash piles. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Animal welfare and public health concerns reported in Peru and Mexico Reports of animal cruelty, suspected poisoning, and dog overpopulation are causing public health and safety concerns in parts of Peru and Mexico, including San Jerónimo, Salamanca, and Guanajuato. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-welfare-and-public-health-concerns-reported-in-peru-and-mexico ### 2026-08-09: Animal welfare authorities conduct rescues in Mexico and Ecuador Authorities in Progreso, Mexico, and Riobamba, Ecuador, have rescued dogs from dangerous or abusive conditions following reports from citizens. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-welfare-authorities-conduct-rescues-in-mexico-and-ecuador ### 2026-08-08: Animal cruelty incidents reported in Peru and Colombia Reports of animal cruelty emerge in Peru, where a dog died in a hit-and-run, and in Colombia, involving the abandonment of a pet in extreme heat. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-cruelty-incidents-reported-in-peru-and-colombia ### 2026-08-06: São Paulo and Caxias do Sul see surge in animal abuse reports Animal‑abuse complaints jumped sharply, with São Paulo’s Depa logging 14,288 cases (≈78 daily) and Caxias do Sul’s DPA receiving 1,609 in the first half of the year, prompting rescues, arrests and heightened aw 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-and-caxias-do-sul-see-surge-in-animal-abuse-reports ### 2026-08-05: Animal cruelty crackdowns rescue a puppy in Portugal and arrest a cat‑abuser in Brazil Portugal’s Associação ComRaça rescued a mistreated puppy and filed a legal complaint, while Brazil’s Noad helped arrest a 21‑year‑old cat‑abuser who also possessed child‑porn material. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-cruelty-crackdowns-rescue-a-puppy-in-portugal-and-arrest-a-catabuser-in-brazil ### 2026-08-05: Animal rescue teams save puppies in Mexico and Spain Rescue teams saved multiple puppies and a pregnant cat in Mexico and Spain after citizen reports, with authorities providing veterinary care and legal follow‑up. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-rescue-teams-save-puppies-in-mexico-and-spain ### 2026-07-29: Mexican State Agencies Rescue Dogs and Sue Citizen for Puppy Abandonment Mexican state agencies rescued two dogs in Puebla and opened a lawsuit against a citizen who abandoned nine puppies in Tlaxcala, citing zero‑tolerance animal‑cruelty laws. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-state-agencies-rescue-dogs-and-sue-citizen-for-puppy-abandonment ### 2026-07-19: RSPCA prosecutes dog cruelty cases in Wales and Australia RSPCA secured convictions in Wales for severe dog obesity and charges in Australia over unsanitary dog‑keeping, highlighting ongoing animal cruelty enforcement. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rspca-prosecutes-dog-cruelty-cases-in-wales-and-australia ### 2026-07-17: Animal Abuse Rescues in Peru and U.S. Prompt Legal Actions Neighbors rescued 30+ dogs from an abusive home in Lima, prompting a municipal fine and a legal case; separately, abandoned dogs in Carolina sparked complaints as authorities struggled to intervene. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-abuse-rescues-in-peru-and-us-prompt-legal-actions ### 2026-07-15: Animal cruelty investigations rescue dogs and puppies in South Africa and Pennsylvania South African and Pennsylvania authorities rescued abused dogs and puppies from severe neglect, prompting criminal investigations and calls for harsh penalties. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-cruelty-investigations-rescue-dogs-and-puppies-in-south-africa-and-pennsylvania ### 2026-06-26: India and Sri Lanka crackdown on dog cruelty after assaults spark outrage Dog attacks in India and Sri Lanka lead to FIRs and bail releases, prompting animal‑welfare outcry and legal scrutiny across the two nations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-and-sri-lanka-crackdown-on-dog-cruelty-after-assaults-spark-outrage ### 2026-06-16: US and India Authorities Investigate Puppy Abuse Allegations Investigations in Spokane, Washington, and Pune, India, address alleged puppy abuse, with arrests and reunifications prompting enforcement of animal‑welfare laws. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uttar-pradesh-police-probe-starvation-of-over-20-cattle-at-livestock-facility --- Cite as: Global animal cruelty investigations expand. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/animal-cruelty-investigations-across-us-and-south-asia