A horse was shot in Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Cavalcante (GO), a major tourist destination for Brasilia residents. The animal was shot and killed on Tuesday night (11/11) and euthanized on Wednesday morning (12/11) after several hours of suffering.
The horse was reportedly released after returning from an outing with its owner. Residents of the Engenjo community in Santa Barbara, where the attack occurred, report that many properties in the area are unfenced, making it easier for animals to move through neighboring properties.
The horse was shot in the head and, despite his injuries, walked several meters before falling. He was found still alive and was euthanized, suffering from gunshot wounds. The Goiás State Environment and Sustainable Development Agency (Semad-GO) was at the scene but did not confirm any involvement in the euthanasia act.
The Cavalcante Police Station and the Civil Police of Goiás (PCGO) are investigating the circumstances and author of the incident. A veterinarian’s report confirming the animal’s cause of death is expected to be released soon.
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The animal was shot on Tuesday night (11/11) but was not deceased at the time.
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The person responsible for the animal filed a police report at the Cavalcante Police Station.
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Complaints regarding the motive of the act
Local residents said the attacks were believed to be in retaliation for the presence of the animals on adjacent properties, as many properties have no walls or boundaries. According to reports, members of the local association celebrated the event, but there are also unofficial complaints that the association is advising residents to keep the animals away from their surroundings.
The report cited cases in which animals were injured, blinded, burned, and had broken legs, which constituted a series of systematic abuses in the community.
What the association says
Contacted after the report, a representative for the association denied there was any incentive for abuse and that they had no control over the individual behavior of residents. He also refuted accusations that the organization encourages all forms of violence against animals.
The man emphasized that the association works to improve conditions in the region, saying, “What we are doing today is supporting livestock farmers. The association has provided quality enclosures and fenced ranches so that people can take care of their animals.”
There is still room for a new statement regarding this incident to be issued.