An American Bully named Atena was shot in Cubatão, Brazil, by a municipal guard after escaping her home; she is currently stable but hospitalized for surgery.
A dog named Atena, an American Bully, was shot in the front paw by a Municipal Civil Guard while she was outside her home in Cubatão, São Paulo. The incident occurred when the dog's owner, 19-year-old Lavínia Fernandes, accidentally allowed Atena to escape while opening the gate to leave with her motorcycle. Lavínia reported that Atena was unprovoked and only approached a pedestrian who got startled, leading to the guard drawing his weapon and shooting the dog.
Atena's owner emphasized that her dog is friendly and playful, noting that there was no aggression or interaction with the guard prior to the shooting. Following the traumatic event, Atena was rushed to a veterinary hospital, where she is undergoing surgery to treat her injuries. Lavínia has since filed a police report regarding the incident, raising concerns about the use of firearms by municipal guards in seemingly non-threatening situations.
The shooting has sparked discussions about the appropriate response of law enforcement to animals in public spaces, as well as the need for better training of municipal guards in handling such encounters. As the situation unfolds, many community members are expressing outrage over the incident, fearing for the safety of pets in similar circumstances.
