Duque de Caxias man arrested for practicing veterinary medicine illegally

Daniel do Nascimento Soares Bittencourt was arrested in flagrante by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police while performing surgery on a cat at a clinic in Duque de Caxias. Investigations revealed that Bittencourt, a sixth-semester veterinary medicine student, was practicing without professional qualification and using the registration number of another veterinarian to issue documents.

One victim reported that her cat required a leg amputation due to necrosis following an improper surgical procedure in July. Although Bittencourt claimed to have implanted two pins, X-rays later confirmed no such pins were present. During the police raid at the Amor Animal Vet clinic, authorities discovered expired veterinary medications, a lack of sterilization equipment, and the absence of necessary operating licenses and sanitary permits.

Bittencourt faces multiple charges, including illegal practice of veterinary medicine, fraud, false identity, animal cruelty, and consumer crimes. A judge has since decreed his preventive detention to prevent further risk to animals. The suspect reportedly has at least 11 prior police records for various offenses, including fraud and environmental crimes.