Dog Dies After Rescue in Teresina; Owner Charged with Animal Cruelty

A dog named Aurélio died on Saturday, June 1st, in Teresina, Brazil, following a rescue operation prompted by a complaint of animal mistreatment. Police from the Environmental Police Battalion (BPA) of the Piauí Military Police (PMPI) responded to the report and found the animal in a state of neglect and suffering. According to Matheus Zanatta, superintendent of integrated operations for the Piauí Public Security Secretariat (SSP-PI), the dog was living in a situation of negligence. After being rescued, Aurélio was taken in by animal protector Fernando Machado and rushed to veterinary care. However, the dog did not survive. Machado stated that Aurélio had a growing tumor and was not receiving veterinary attention, which had left him debilitated. The protector also mentioned that the dog was kept outside by its owner and survived by being fed by local residents. The owner allegedly kept the dog outside because the tumor was bleeding and soiling the house, and failed to seek veterinary assistance. The owner has been charged with animal cruelty, which, given the outcome of the dog's death, could result in a prison sentence exceeding six years and a fine.