HUARAL, PERU — A family dog named Manchis is being hailed as a hero after security footage showed him barking and intervening when an explosive device was thrown into his owner’s yard.

The device, a stick of dynamite, was tossed into the home of journalist Zarate, who works with the media outlet Central de Noticias. Video shows Manchis rushing toward the object, barking until it was diffused, preventing what could have been a deadly explosion.

In a statement, Central de Noticias condemned the attack: “Due to the magnitude of the attack, specialized personnel from the National Police’s UDEX (Explosive Deactivation) unit traveled from Lima to carry out the corresponding investigations.”

The organization also stressed the wider implications: “This attack is not an isolated incident, but a serious assault on press freedom and public safety. The courageous intervention of ‘Manchis,’ now recognized as a true four-legged hero, prevented a dynamite attack from turning into tragedy.”

Authorities are investigating the incident, which has raised fresh concerns over threats to journalists in Peru.