Court sentences owner to 11 months in prison for cutting off live horse’s legs in Bananal

Court sentences guardian Andrey Guilherme Nogueira of Queiroz to11 months and 18 daysof arrest for mistreatment of animals in Bananal, inside São Paulo. The crime occurred on August 16, during a horse ride, when the defendant mutilated the horse’s four legs with a machete, causing the animal’s death. Laudos experts confirmed that the horse was alive at the time of the blows.

The sentence, handed down by judge Luciene Belan Ferreira Allemand, of Comarca of The convicted person will be able to appeal in freedom, in an initially semi-open regime, in addition to paying a 34-day fine.

The case gained national attention after images circulated on social media. Ministério Público reported the guardian based on Lei of Crimes Ambientais.

Incident details

The horse, a young male estimated to be between 8 and 10 years old, participated in a ride of approximately 14 kilometers over hilly terrain. The animal showed signs of extreme exhaustion, falling to the ground twice during the journey. Instead of providing assistance, the owner forced the horse to continue, worsening its condition.

A witness accompanied the defendant at the time of the events. Ela reported that the owner warned: “if you have a heart, it’s better not to look”, before taking out the machete and striking the immobile animal’s paws.

Expert evidence

Veterinarians carried out examination on the horse’s body, identified as Gaúcho. The report concluded that the animal had active blood circulation during the mutilation, proven by bruises at the sites of the cuts. Além of the severed paws, multiple lesions were identified on the chest, abdomen and sides of the body.

The experts highlighted that the horse suffered intense physical exertion without adequate conditioning. Essa overload led to total exhaustion, directly contributing to death.

• Injuries on the right side: 8 identified
• Injuries to the left side, chest and abdomen: 9 recorded
• Signs of blows given during life: confirmed by bruises
• Cause of death: combination of exhaustion and mutilation

Defense version

Andrey Guilherme Nogueira of Queiroz confessed to the mutilation in a statement to Polícia Civil. Ele claimed that he believed the horse was already dead at the time of the blows with the machete. The version was rejected by Justiça, based on reports and witness testimony.

The defense has not publicly commented on the recent sentence. The defendant, 21 years old at the time of the events, remains free while he appeals the decision.

Rationale for the sentence

The judge considered the use of a cruel method to slaughter the animal. Ela pointed out that the defendant had opportunities to seek help during the journey, including contact with third parties. Instead, he opted for mutilation, demonstrating awareness of the illegality.

The base sentence varies from three months to one year of detention, with an increase due to aggravating circumstances such as death of the animal and cruelty. The semi-open regime was initially established, with a daily fine equivalent to 1/30 of the minimum wage.

Police investigation

Polícia Civil of Bananal opened an investigation following anonymous complaints. The agents interviewed the tutor and the witness two days after the incident. The case was registered as animal abuse resulting in death.

The investigation concluded with indictment for ill-treatment. Ministério Público filed a complaint, classifying the act as cruel.

Initial repercussion

Images of the fallen and mutilated horse went viral in August. Entidades of animal protection demanded a rigorous investigation. Prefeitura of Bananal issued a statement repudiating the violence and collaborating with the authorities.

The animal was buried in the rural area after forensic procedures. Não there are records of other animals under the convict’s custody after the fact.

Reporting channels

Cases of animal abuse can be reported through various official channels. Authorities encourage reports with evidence such as photos or videos to speed up investigations.

• Police Militar: dial 190
• Police Ambiental at São Paulo: 0800-600-6428
• Ordinary or electronic police stations
• Ministry Público or local city halls

Applicable legislation

The crime falls under article 32 of Lei of Crimes Ambientais (9,605/1998). The practice of abuse, mistreatment or mutilation involves imprisonment and fines. The penalty increases by one-sixth to one-third when it results in death.

Similar cases reinforce the application of aggravating circumstances for cruelty. Justiça may prohibit the keeping of other animals.

The sentence reinforces the application of the law in episodes of violence against horses. The process was processed at local Comarca, with detailed analysis of technical evidence.

The defendant has the right to appeal to higher courts. The initial decision highlights the seriousness of subjecting animals to excessive effort followed by cruel acts.