The Civil Police arrested a fake veterinarian on the night of August 11, 2026, inside a clandestine clinic located in Duque de Caxias, in Baixada Fluminense. The man was found operating a cat during the arrival of agents from the 59th DP (Duque de Caxias).
The establishment was immediately closed, as it did not have the necessary licenses to operate, operating in a completely irregular manner and putting the health and lives of the animals treated there at risk.
Identification of the false professional and confession
The individual was identified as Daniel do Nascimento Soares Bittencourt. When asked by the police about his registration number with the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine, he simply replied: “He doesn’t have one”.
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When asked if he was studying, Daniel said he was in the sixth period of his degree. His conduct, however, constituted the illegal practice of his profession, as he performed complex surgical procedures without the appropriate qualifications.
The suspect’s history includes several crimes and illegal activity
The Civil Police investigation revealed that Daniel had previously been cited for illegal practice of the profession, indicating a recurrence of the activity without qualifications.
Furthermore, the fake veterinarian faces other charges for a series of crimes, including misrepresentation, false identity, embezzlement, threats and environmental crimes, which demonstrates a pattern of illegal and misleading conduct.
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Cat needed amputation after irregular surgery at the clinic
One of the most serious cases investigated by the police involves the owner of a cat who sought care at the clinic in the month before her arrest. The woman reported that Daniel performed surgery on the animal’s leg, claiming to have implanted two pins.
Days later, the owner noticed signs of necrosis in the cat’s paw and looked for another clinic. An X-ray examination revealed that there were no pins implanted, and the procedure was considered inappropriate, resulting in the need to amputate the cat’s leg due to the severity of the case.
The woman also informed investigators that the professional registration number present in the documents submitted by Daniel actually belonged to another veterinarian, proving the falsehood of the information.
Serious irregularities in the clandestine clinic
During the inspection at the clinic, the police found several irregularities that compromised the safety and hygiene of the procedures. Among them, veterinary medicines that had expired were displayed for sale.
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The police team also found the absence of essential equipment for sterilizing surgical instruments. Furthermore, the clinic operated without the mandatory operating license and health license, highlighting the total disregard for health and safety standards.
Essential Care: The Importance of Verifying Veterinary Credentials
This case reinforces the fundamental importance for animal owners to carefully check the credentials of professionals and the regularity of veterinary clinics before any service. Lack of qualifications can lead to serious errors and irreversible consequences for the health of pets.
It is recommended that guardians always look for the professional’s registration number with the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine (CRMV) and confirm its validity on the council’s official channels. Furthermore, observing hygiene conditions and whether the clinic has a visible operating license are crucial steps to ensure safe service.
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Formal accusations and continuation of investigations
Daniel do Nascimento Soares Bittencourt was charged with crimes such as illegal practice of veterinary medicine, embezzlement, false identity, animal abuse and crime against consumer relations.
Investigations remain ongoing by the Civil Police, with the aim of identifying other possible victims of the procedures carried out by the fake professional. Daniel’s defense has not yet been reached to comment on the accusations. The cat that was being operated on at the time of the arrest is doing well.