Court Clears Way for Phased Removal of Hundreds of Cats from Concórdia Apartment

Overview

• The Tribunal de Justiça de Santa Catarina ruled Thursday that municipal and IFC veterinary teams may enter the apartment, authorize forced entry with police help if needed, and remove animals gradually at a minimum rate of 25 cats per day with the municipality assuming custody.
• An Instituto Federal Catarinense report found severe contamination, saturated litter areas and cats compressed in windows and corridors, and noted teams identified 119 microchipped animals but could not assess most cats because of high density and feral or aggressive behavior.
• Prosecutors said the 73‑year‑old owner had refused team access and violated a prior Termo de Ajustamento de Conduta that required veterinary care and staged removal, prompting the Ministério Público to seek urgent court intervention.
• The 4ª Promotoria requested a police inquiry into the case and the Polícia Civil has opened an investigation, though authorities have not yet released details on the probe's progress.
• Municipal officials will be responsible for quarantine, veterinary treatment, vaccination, castration and later adoption placements while the court ordered a psychosocial evaluation and social and health support for the elderly owner as teams manage safety and logistical risks during rescues.