Defense of veterinarian responds to illegal cat blood sale investigation

The defense for veterinarian Thaís Daniele Antonussi has issued its first public statement regarding an investigation into a clandestine scheme for collecting and selling feline blood in Monte Alto, São Paulo. Antonussi is accused of participating in a criminal association involving the illegal sale of cat blood, which was reportedly collected under unsanitary conditions and sold at high prices without proper quality control or owner authorization.

Defense attorney Daniel Seixas Rondi argues that Antonussi acted in good faith, believing the blood collection services she contracted were legal and properly documented with invoices and laboratory exams. The defense claims that Antonussi has not yet been heard by the Civil Police despite the investigation lasting nearly a year, contesting claims that she was in an unknown location.

Conversely, the São Paulo Public Ministry alleges that Antonussi managed the group's operational routines and negotiated daily payments to intermediaries. While prosecutors sought to suspend her professional registration and academic activities, the Court of Monte Alto denied these preliminary requests, ruling that such measures would constitute premature punishment. The defendants face charges of animal cruelty and criminal association.