The 2nd Chamber of Criminal Law in São Paulo upheld the conviction of a veterinary student for crimes against wildlife, animal abuse, and the use of false documents. The Taubaté 1st Criminal Court sentenced the student to four years and eight months of imprisonment in a semi-open regime, and an additional year and five months in an open regime. The court also imposed a fine and prohibited the student from caring for rescued dogs and cats.
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During a search of the defendant's residence, police discovered malnourished animals living in poor conditions, along with dead animals, including wild species, stored in a refrigerator.
Appeal rapporteur Paulo Sorci rejected the claim that the student had rescued the animals, stating that it was the appellant's responsibility to provide proper care, including nutrition and a healthy living environment. The conditions found were described as inhospitable and unsuitable for animal welfare.
Sorci emphasized that the student's status as a veterinary medicine student did not mitigate the seriousness of the actions, but rather highlighted the knowledge of care required for both domestic and wild animals. The student's residence housed various species, including an endangered monkey, kept without the necessary permits.
The appeal was unanimously supported by judges Alex Zilenovski and Francisco Orlando.