Paraná dog shooting case cleared

On 24 May, an off‑duty military police officer in Castro, Paraná, shot a neutered community dog outside the local health unit. Residents said the animal was harmless, while the officer claimed it was attacking him. The Paraná Civil Police opened an inquiry, collecting witness statements and reviewing surveillance footage, and noted the possible "state of necessity" defence under the penal code.

By 30 July, the police issued a note clarifying that the investigation was closed without indictment. Authorities said video evidence and a re‑interviewed witness supported the officer’s account, and that the act could fall under Article 24 of the Brazilian Penal Code. The case was forwarded to the Public Ministry for further decision.

A later report dated 30 July 2026 confirmed that the Polícia Civil do Paraná formally cleared the officer, stating that the shooting was justified under the legal "state of necessity" provision. Security‑camera footage was cited showing the officer first attempting non‑lethal measures before firing a single shot that killed the stray dog near the city’s emergency care unit. Police officials emphasized that the decision rested on technical‑legal criteria rather than public pressure, and that the officer will remain on duty pending any prosecutorial action by the Public Ministry.