# Illegal veterinary practice in Duque de Caxias > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-veterinary-practice-in-duque-de-caxias > Updated: 2026-08-13T18:45:15.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Daniel do Nascimento Soares Bittencourt, a sixth-semester veterinary medicine student, was arrested in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, while performing surgery on a cat. Investigations by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police revealed that Bittencourt was practicing without professional qualification and was using the registration number of another veterinarian to issue documents. Authorities discovered that the Amor Animal Vet clinic lacked necessary operating licenses, sanitary permits, and sterilization equipment, and contained expired medications. One reported victim suffered a cat requiring leg amputation due to necrosis following an improper procedure. Bittencourt faces several charges, including illegal practice of veterinary medicine, fraud, false identity, animal cruelty, and consumer crimes. A Rio de Janeiro court has ordered Bittencourt into preventive detention, determining that his release would pose a “concrete risk of continued unauthorized procedures” and expose animals to further danger. During his hearing, Bittencourt claimed he was injured by a police officer, though a magistrate noted medical reports suggested he simply “stepped incorrectly.” ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Rio de Janeiro court orders arrest of fake veterinarian A veterinary student in Rio de Janeiro has been arrested for posing as a licensed veterinarian and performing unauthorized surgeries on animals in Duque de Caxias. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-court-orders-arrest-of-fake-veterinarian ### 2026-08-11: Duque de Caxias man arrested for practicing veterinary medicine illegally A fake veterinarian was arrested in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, while performing surgery on a cat. The suspect used a stolen professional ID and caused severe injury to an animal, leading to a leg amputee. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fake-veterinarian-arrested-during-surgery-in-duque-de-caxias --- Cite as: Illegal veterinary practice in Duque de Caxias. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-veterinary-practice-in-duque-de-caxias