RIO DE JANEIRO – About 100 dogs and cats that survived the tragedy caused by the torrential rains in the Serrana region of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, where 809 people died in the past two weeks, are being adopted by families, Globo television reported.

Most of the 60 dogs and 40 cats rescued by emergency workers in the six cities affected by the storm were given over the weekend to families that attended an adoption fair in Rio de Janeiro, the state capital, Globo said.

The fair, mounted by animal-protection organizations, also collected medicine and food for the pets, many of them in the care of veterinarians.

The organizations will monitor how the adopted pets are faring by means of continued veterinarian care free of charge.

Officials estimate that at least 500 pets died in the floods and mudslides, while another 300 pets are with their owners in shelters for those left homeless or in veterinary clinics.

Some 15 horses trained in equestrian sports, of the 120 that were stabled in the region, died, while others, including some that had taken part in international competitions, will no longer be able to compete because of the injuries they suffered. EFE