Among the most iconic figures in protests against authority and economic strife are dogs, the beloved four-legged participants. The story of Rucio Capucha, a stray dog who became an international symbol of resistance during the 2019 protests in Chile has resurfaced online, capturing hearts once again.
He was one of several canines worldwide known as “riot dogs,” animals that have famously joined public demonstrations. Rucio was a regular and fearless presence at the front lines, often photographed facing off against police in riot gear and barking at armored vehicles attempting to disperse crowds.
On November 16, 2019, he was deliberately targeted and injured by a police water cannon, sustaining a lung contusion. After the incident, the stray dog was treated by veterinary students and was later adopted into a family, where he lived peacefully until his passing in 2023. His legacy continues to inspire discussions about social movements and the unexpected figures, both human and animal, that define them
Photo by Working Class History
