# Quito roadwork animal welfare controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/quito-roadwork-animal-welfare-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-01T12:10:15.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Following reports that a dog was trapped in hot asphalt during repaving works on the Ruta Viva corridor in Quito, municipal authorities launched an investigation. The animal, rescued by the Fundación Amigos de Lucas, reportedly suffered burns and injuries. The Metropolitan Public Company of Mobility and Public Works (Epmmop) and the Animal Welfare Unit (UBA) initiated inspections to collect evidence and determine if administrative sanctions were necessary due to negligence.

However, the Municipality of Quito later denied involvement in the incident. Officials stated there was no record of the event occurring and challenged the validity of social media reports. The Municipality pointed to inconsistencies in the photographic evidence, claiming the machinery shown did not belong to EPMMOP and noting the presence of inscriptions in a foreign language on the images. EPMMOP maintained that safety protocols are in place to protect urban fauna and urged the public to verify information.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Quito Municipality denies involvement in dog tar incident

The Municipality of Quito denied claims that its machinery caused a dog to become trapped in hot tar on Ruta Viva, citing inconsistencies in social media photos.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quito-municipality-denies-involvement-in-dog-tar-incident

### 2026-08-31: Quito authorities investigate dog trapped in hot asphalt

Authorities in Quito are investigating an incident where a dog was trapped in hot asphalt during roadworks on Ruta Viva, resulting in burns and injuries to the animal.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quito-authorities-investigate-dog-trapped-in-hot-asphalt

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Cite as: Quito roadwork animal welfare controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/quito-roadwork-animal-welfare-controversy