In Tijuca, a neighborhood in North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, a chaotic incident unfolded involving a homeless man who faced allegations of using his dogs to attack passersby. On a Thursday afternoon, police apprehended three homeless individuals and rescued four dogs after residents reported that a man, Ricardo Fonseca Lima, had been threatening people and commanding his dogs to intimidate them. Security camera footage indicated that this behavior had been occurring for some time, raising concerns among local residents.

The situation escalated when a local elderly woman became a victim of the attacks, sustaining a hand fracture during an encounter with the dogs. Such incidents have sparked discussions in the community about homelessness, public safety, and the treatment of animals, as the dogs were also seen living in what appeared to be a makeshift shelter constructed from discarded materials. Community members have expressed their fear of interacting with the homeless individuals due to the potential threat posed by the dogs.

The city's response included the swift action to detain the suspects and provide safe refuge for the dogs, reflecting ongoing social challenges within urban environments like Rio de Janeiro. This incident highlights the intersection of issues such as homelessness, public safety, and animal welfare, prompting city officials and social services to consider more comprehensive approaches to address these persistent concerns in the community.