Dog Suffers Tar Burns in Quito as Authorities Consider Possible Sanctions

A dog rescued in Quito after suffering burns from hot asphalt has been named Brea. The Fundación Amigos de Lucas said the animal remains at its clinic, where it is receiving treatment for skin injuries and is out of danger.

The foundation shared details of the rescue on Aug. 29, 2026. A representative told El Comercio that Brea suffered minor burns and could be put up for adoption after recovering. The organization also challenged the municipality’s account, saying it believed negligence had occurred and was preparing a statement.

Quito’s municipality rejected claims circulated on social media that machinery belonging to the Metropolitan Public Company for Mobility and Public Works caused the injuries. After technical and operational checks, the company said it found no records confirming the reported incident.

The dispute followed the rescue’s association with repaving work on the Ruta Viva. The municipality said photographs used to connect its machinery to the dog’s injuries contained inconsistencies. It said the equipment shown differed from the machines used by the public company, and that one photograph carried an inscription in another language that did not match the company’s equipment identification.

Quito’s municipal rules divide animal-related offenses into three categories. Fines for minor violations reach $144.60, serious violations can bring $482 fines, and very serious violations carry penalties of up to $4,820, equivalent to 10 basic salaries. The highest category includes intentionally causing harm or suffering, failing to cover resulting damages and causing the death of a companion animal.