A woman has been arrested after her pet dog swallowed 55 crack cocaine rocks.
She and her parents rushed the three-month-old French bulldog, Antonieta, to a veterinary clinic on 17 April after the puppy showed signs of intoxication.
Tests revealed foreign objects inside Antonieta, which were surgically removed and later identified as crack cocaine rocks.
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In total, 55 rocks weighing around 12g were taken out of the puppy, prompting clinic staff to alert police.
When the family later returned to the clinic to check on Antonieta’s condition, officers arrested the daughter at the scene in Joinville, Brazil, and seized the crack cocaine.
The woman, whose name and age have not been released, told police the drugs belonged to her.
She has since been released on bail but must wear an electronic ankle monitor and remain at home when not working.
Antonieta’s condition deteriorated on Tuesday (21 Apr), as reported by Need To Know.
Veterinarian Lillian Van Den Boom told local media on Thursday (23 Apr): “She’s developed neurological symptoms, and it’s progressing very quickly.
“She’s just been seen by a neurologist. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to transfer her to intensive care.
“What we believe so far is that it could even be withdrawal symptoms. But we can’t say for sure, because there are no veterinary studies to date reporting this.
“What we are seeing are seizure episodes occurring in short intervals.”
Antonieta’s owner is facing charges of animal cruelty and drug trafficking.
In addition to the drugs, the vet found the bulldog had not been dewormed or given its required vaccinations.
The clinic, together with an animal welfare centre, is arranging microchipping and preparing the dog for adoption.
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