Two pit bulls were rescued by the Civil Police on Friday, September 27, from a home in the Igapó neighborhood of North Zone Natal, Brazil, where they were found to be in a condition of severe neglect. The police described the dogs as visibly malnourished and dehydrated upon their rescue. The owner of the dogs was not present at the residence during the authorities' intervention but later voluntarily presented herself at the police station and is now under investigation for her treatment of the animals.

The rescue was prompted by an anonymous tip received by the Civil Police, highlighting the role of community vigilance and reporting in addressing animal abuse. The authorities encourage citizens to utilize the Disque Denúncia 181 hotline to report any suspected cases of animal mistreatment, underscoring the ongoing efforts to protect animal welfare in the region. The incident raises awareness about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the importance of reporting abuse.

Under Brazilian law, animal cruelty is punishable under Law No. 9.605/1998, which covers harm, mutilation, or mistreatment of both wild and domestic animals. Significant penalties exist, particularly for cases involving dogs and cats, with the revised Law No. 14.064/2020 increasing the potential prison sentence for such offenses to between two and five years, as well as fines and restrictions on future animal ownership. This case underscores the seriousness with which Brazilian authorities view animal rights and the legal consequences for those who violate them.