The Civil Police of Guarulhos, in São Paulo, is investigating law student Ana Paula Veloso Fernandes, aged 36, on suspicion of poisoning at least 14 dogs with pellets. The confession occurred during interrogation on August 25, 2025, in the 1st Police District, where the woman admitted to having used the poison on her own animals and those of family members. Ana Paula has been in prison since July for involvement in four homicides qualified by poisoning, which occurred between January and May 2025, in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Ten of the dogs were puppies belonging to the twin sister, Roberta Cristina Veloso Fernandes, who is also detained for participating in human crimes. The other four animals, adults, were under the care of Ana Paula’s ex-husband, in Rio de Janeiro. The investigation aims to confirm whether animal abuse constitutes an autonomous crime, provided for in Brazilian legislation.
Confession details use of poison in pets
Ana Paula reported to the police that she acquired the pellet in Rio de Janeiro to eliminate her sister’s puppies.
She described the process, including dosage and time of action of the poison, stating that the product was already available at home.
Deputy Halisson Ideiao Leite, responsible for the case, highlighted that the suspect tested the substance on animals before applying it to humans.
Pups and Survivor Rescue
The ten puppies were born from dogs taken by Roberta to the residence in Guarulhos, with the intention of donating them.
Ana Paula interrupted the plan by poisoning them, according to the statement.
Three remaining dogs – Luna, Selena and Bob – were rescued by the local council during searches of the house.
They are in a municipal shelter, available for adoption, after support from the police authority.
The expert identified terbufós, a pesticide banned in Brazil, in a bottle seized from the property.
The highly toxic compound causes symptoms such as excessive salivation and convulsions within minutes.
Ex-husband’s accusations about dogs in Rio
Ana Paula’s ex-husband, who requested anonymity, reported the death of four dogs during their marriage, two years ago.
Thor, Eros, Athena and Kiara showed signs of poisoning, such as drooling and sudden weakness.
He worked outside the home, leaving the residence under the responsibility of his then wife.
After the homicides came to light, the man connected the facts and contacted the police.
The couple separated after the episodedestruction of property with a sledgehammer, in 2023.
Research into methods and expert evidence
The police are analyzing whether the same poison used on dogs was applied to human victims, via food or drink.
Toxicological reports confirm the presence of the insecticide in autopsy samples.
- Ten poisoned puppies in Guarulhos, January 2025.
- Four adults killed in Rio, period 2022-2023.
- Tests indicate precise dosage to simulate natural causes.
- Seized bottle contains residue compatible with pellets.
Roberta and Michelle Paiva da Silva, aged 43, are also responsible for association with the crimes.
Michelle hired Ana Paula for R$4,000 to poison her father, Neil Corrêa da Silva, via feijoada.
Human crimes and pattern of action
Ana Paula is a defendant in the murders of Marcelo Hari Fonseca, owner of the rented property; Maria Aparecida Rodrigues, dating app friend; Neil Corrêa da Silva, 65 years old; and Hayder Mhazres, 21-year-old Tunisian boyfriend.
The reasons involve financial gain and relational rejection, according to the survey.
She triggered emergencies in three cases, simulating the discovery of bodies.
The Justice of São Paulo accepted a full complaint for triple homicide.
In WhatsApp messages, the sisters used “TCC” as code for their plans.
The defense of those involved has not spoken out so far.
Legislation on animal abuse
The crime of ill-treatment is defined in Law 9,605/1998, with a prison sentence of two to five years, a fine and compensation.
Confessional and expert evidence strengthens the case against Ana Paula.
The investigation continues to identify possible additional victims among humans and pets.
Deputies seek statements from neighbors and college classmates.
The student tried to poison classmates with cake in 2024, without success.
