Rescued with signs of mistreatment and abandonment in the Cidade Nova neighborhood, in Macapá, the dog Bruce continues to recover in a private veterinary clinic. Since being welcomed, the animal has attracted the attention of the medical team due to its appetite and quick response to the care received.
Deputy Alan Moutinho, responsible for the case, stated that Bruce has been eating and drinking water frequently after the rescue.
"Bruce is eating and drinking a lot. The clinic team says he's impressive. It looks like he's trying to make up for the time he spent without adequate food and hydration," the deputy joked.
Bruce continues to recover — Photo: Reproduction
According to the Civil Police, when agents arrived at the property where Bruce was kept, the animal showed severe signs of malnutrition and was very weak. Residents reported that the owner had moved after putting the house up for sale and only returned to the area sporadically.
According to the delegate, the former guardian has already been identified and is expected to give a statement in the coming days.
"The guardian has already presented himself to the police station and has been identified. We are now gathering documents, videos and reports to complete the investigation. After that, he will be heard, he may be indicted, and the case will be forwarded to Justice", he explained.
On social media, animal activists who helped mobilize for Bruce's rescue have been sharing updates about the dog's health status. The animal was diagnosed with some illnesses, is undergoing treatment and should be made available for adoption after recovery.
Bruce was rescued by the Civil Police on Thursday (5), after reports of mistreatment in the Cidade Nova neighborhood, in Macapá.
At the scene, agents found the animal in a serious state of malnutrition. According to reports from residents, the owner had left the property and only returned occasionally to feed the dog.
The neighborhood stated that residents in the region were trying to feed the animal to prevent it from starving to death. During the inspection, the police found little water available and a container with hardened food, apparently exposed for several days.
"Bruce is eating and drinking a lot. The clinic team says he's impressive. It looks like he's trying to make up for the time he spent without adequate food and hydration," the deputy joked. After the rescue, Bruce was taken to veterinary care, where he remains under treatment.
Law No. 14,064/2020 provides for a sentence of two to five years in prison, in addition to a fine and prohibition on keeping animals for those who abuse dogs and cats.
By providing for a more severe penalty, the crime is no longer considered to have less offensive potential. Currently, the perpetrator can be arrested in the act and cannot be released just by signing a commitment form. Furthermore, if the mistreatment results in the death of the animal, the penalty is increased by one-sixth to one-third.
The Civil Police reinforces that public collaboration is essential to combat this type of crime and protect animals.
Situations of abandonment, deprivation of water and food, aggression or keeping animals in unhealthy places can be reported anonymously at any police station. In cases of emergency, the guidance is to call the Integrated Public Security Operations Center (Ciosp), by calling 190.
Complaints can also be registered by the Amapá Virtual Police Station.
