João Vitor de Vasconcelos Gómez, husband of the influential figure Gabriel Araújo, was arrested red-handed on Monday (4) by agents of the 24th DP (Piedade), with the support of the Animal Protection Service of the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro in the Madureira District. The arrests are based on crimes of cruelty to dogs and cats.

Joao Vitor de Vasconcelos, husband of Gomes influencer, arrested red-handed in Madureira – Photo: Reproduction/ND

Gabrieli Araujo, an influential person, accompanied her husband to the police station.

Influential Woman’s Husband Claims to Be an Animal Guardian

Joao Gomes admitted that he was the guardian of two abandoned pit bulls. The police action was initiated following reports of animal cruelty at a house in Piedad. At the scene, officers found the dogs in an unsanitary area full of feces and trash.

The examination confirmed signs of abuse and abandonment, showing that the animals were in severe stages of malnutrition, dehydration and various diseases. The pit bulls were sent to Fazenda Modelo, in Guaratiba, in the western zone of Rio, where they underwent veterinary examination and care.

The animals were injured and showed signs of exhaustion – Photo: Reproduction/ND

Animal Protection Minister Flavio Ganem rejected the conditions in which the animals were found, stressing the responsibility of the owners.

“It is unacceptable for animals to live in such conditions, especially when owners flaunt their travels and achievements on social media. Animals need care, depriving them of shade, water, food and veterinary care is a crime! Cruelty to animals is a crime, I hope justice is served because these innocent people have already suffered too much,” says Flavio.

The place where the animals were found turned out to be unhealthy – Photo: Reproduction/ND

According to the Municipal Animal Welfare and Welfare Department (SMPDA), dermatitis, abrasions and low body scores were observed in the dogs, especially in female dogs. The rapid test for leishmaniasis gave a positive result, but PCR will be carried out to confirm the accuracy of the information.

Joao Vitor, the influencer’s husband, said he rescued the animals from the street but faces a custody hearing that will leave the court deciding whether he will remain in prison. The crime of cruelty carries a penalty of imprisonment of two to five years in addition to a fine.