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Man arrested for using mask and taking ex-girlfriend's dog from pet shop

2 sources · 19 Apr 2026 · Share coverage ·

A 29-year-old man was arrested in São Paulo after using a realistic silicone mask to take his ex-girlfriend's dog from a pet shop. Police say he did this to force the woman to withdraw a domestic violence complaint against him.

The case occurs in a context of domestic violence, where the victim had filed a complaint against her ex-partner and had a protective order. The man used a realistic silicone mask to avoid being recognized by pet shop employees during the theft.

1. What we know (3)

The man was arrested on Thursday, April 16, in São Paulo

2 sources IstoÉ A Tarde

The suspect used a mask to disguise his appearance during the incident at the pet shop

2 sources IstoÉ A Tarde

The victim had been threatened and stalked by her ex-partner

2 sources IstoÉ A Tarde
2. Where coverage thins out (6)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (6)

The mask was made of silicone and imitated another person's face

Reported by: IstoÉ
Did not cover: A Tarde

The man took the animal to force the woman to withdraw a domestic violence complaint

Reported by: IstoÉ
Did not cover: A Tarde

The dog was rescued unharmed from the suspect's apartment and returned to its owner

Reported by: IstoÉ
Did not cover: A Tarde

The victim had a protective order against the suspect

Reported by: A Tarde
Did not cover: IstoÉ

The case is at the 3rd Women's Defense Police Station

Reported by: A Tarde
Did not cover: IstoÉ

The man was arrested on Rio Pequeno Avenue, in the west zone

Reported by: IstoÉ
Did not cover: A Tarde
3. What we don't know yet

No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.

All sources

2