Brazilian Serie A side Fortaleza shocked fans on Sunday during their match against América-MG for entering the field with dogs instead of the usual mascots.
The dogs had been rescued by by Abrigo São Lázaro, the largest animal protection NGO in Ceará that also deals with pet adoption in Fortaleza.
The match that saw Fortaleza win 3-2 was marking the World Animal Day, which took place on October 4th.
“In today’s match, Cães do Abrigo São Lázaro, an institution that deals with pet adoption in Fortaleza, entered the field alongside the players in the initial game protocol instead of the traditional mascots, the children.
“The campaign takes place during the week of World Animal Day, which took place on the 4th, and is promoted by Novibet, Fortaleza’s master sponsor. Fans were able to adopt their dogs on the stadium terrace and, after the game, take them home,” Fortaleza said via Twitter.
The win saw Fortaleza move up to the sixth position in the Brazilian league with 42 points after 26 matches while America MG remains at bottom of the table with 18 points.
