Pet lovers and NGOs unit at Guarulhos and Congonhas airports demanding justice for the death of golden retriever Joca

In the demonstrations this Sunday (28), animal owners displayed banners with messages such as "Justice for Joca" and "We are not merchandise, we are someone's love". Owner João Fantazzini's dog died last Monday (22) after being mistakenly sent to Fortaleza (CE) by the airline Gol.

Animal owners protest at Cumbica Airport, in Guarulhos, asking for justice for their dog Joca - Photo Reproduction//TV Globo

In recent days, a wave of indignation has taken over pet lovers and animal rights activists in São Paulo, especially at Guarulhos and Congonhas airports. The reason? The tragic death of a Golden Retriever named Joca, which occurred after the dog was mistakenly sent by Gol airline to a different destination than his owner.

The case gained great repercussion both in the press and on social media, with photos of Joca circulating accompanied by moving messages asking justice for the animal and questioning animal transport protocols in airlines.This Sunday (28), dog owners and animal protection organizations are promoting two peaceful protests in memory of the golden retriever Joca, who passed away last Monday (22).

The Protests

Faced with this situation, a mobilization was organized by animal rights groups, including several NGOs and volunteers dedicated to the cause.Events occur simultaneously in Cumbica Airport, in Guarulhos, where the incident occurred, and in Congonhas Airport, in the South Zone of São Paulo. At the demonstration in Guarulhos, participants, accompanied by their pets, protest against the lack of security on domestic flights for transporting animals. A prominent banner at the Guarulhos domestic departure terminal displays the message "Justice for Joca '' and "We are not baggage, we are someone's love".

Animal protection organizations are calling for changes to pet transport regulations in Brazil, demanding severe punishments for companies that violate the rules. animal protection laws. Organizers say that the family of engineer João Fantazzini Júnior, responsible for the dog Joca, is expected to participate in this morning's protest in Guarulhos. In Congonhas, dog owners also occupied the boarding terminal in front of the Gol check-in counter, demonstrating against Joca's death.

Meeting at ANAC

Second Reported by the blog of journalist Andréa Saddi, from GloboNews, a meeting held between the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac), the Ministry of Ports and Airports, and representatives of airlines - including Gol - took place on Friday (25) to discuss measures aimed at improving the transport of animals in aircraft holds. This initiative was a response to the tragic death of the dog Joca, which occurred due to a failure in air transport while he was being taken from Mato Grosso to Ceará on a Gol flight. During the meeting, five actions were established in collaboration with representatives from Gol, Latam, Azul Linhas Aéreas and the Brazilian Association of Airlines (Abear).

Public hearings will be held to review and improve the transport of animals on flights, both in Brazil and abroad. The airlines committed to submitting their proposals and suggestions within 10 days. Furthermore, they are considering the feasibility of implementing a tracking system for animals transported in aircraft holds.

The responsible Ministry will invite representatives from the National Congress to a meeting, aiming to collect suggestions to improve the air transport of animals. Subsequently, the Ministry will launch a National Animal Transport Policy (PNTAA) in the first half of this year, aiming to ensure greater safety and well-being for animals.

Joca Dog Case

João Fantazzini and Joca, a dog that died in Gol air transport - Photo Reproduction/Personal archive

Joca died tragically on Monday (22). The pet was scheduled to be transported from Guarulhos International Airport, in São Paulo, to Sinop (MT). However, by mistake, he was boarded on a plane bound for Fortaleza (CE). Subsequently, Joca was sent back to Guarulhos. Upon arriving to rescue him, his guardian regrettably found him lifeless. According to reports from the tutor's family, there are video records that show Joca drinking water from a plastic bottle while confined in a transport box at the Fortaleza air terminal.

The family of engineer João Fantazzini Júnior, owner of the dog Joca, declared that the labels on the animal's transport box contained the name of another pet destined for Manaus, in Amazonas. The São Paulo Civil Police are investigating the incident as a possible crime, while Anac and the Ministry of Airports are conducting investigations into the responsibility of the company involved. In a statement, Gol expressed regret over the death of the pet and acknowledged that there was a mistake in sending the animal to Fortaleza, instead of Sinop, in Mato Grosso. The airline said its employees were caught off guard by the tragic incident.

Joca was buried this Wednesday (24). Family and friends said goodbye to the golden retriever in an intimate ceremony in the city of São Paulo.