According to the Sheriff's Office, search warrants were executed at multiple locations on January 17th and 18th. KVOA.

Although the warrant was issued and the arrest was made recently, the investigation had been ongoing for more than a year and a half.

cold The Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) reported in November 2022 that it received information that Mercado Sepulveda was allegedly “performing unauthorized and illegal surgeries on dogs.”

Search warrants were served on her home and clinic on March 14, 2023. At that time, 34 French bulldogs, a Labrador mix, and two cats were taken away. According to court documents obtained by PACC, on the same day the VCA Veterinary Hospital reported that a French bulldog was brought to the hospital after undergoing a “failed C-section” at a kennel allegedly associated with Mercado Sepulveda. I received a report. cold.

Investigators said they entered one of her properties and found two dogs without water in crates, a foul odor and expired vaccines and medicines stored in poor conditions. cold report. The news station did not reveal when the incident occurred during the investigation.

Officials said Mercado-Sepulveda admitted to investigators that she cared for dogs, performed artificial insemination and sutured dogs that got into fights, and cited her experience as an obstetrician-gynecologist. He reportedly stated that he made the surgery possible. She also used the internet as a guide, police said.

Arizona Veterinary Board Director Victoria Whitmore said it is illegal to stitch or treat a dog's wounds without a permit.

Mercado-Sepulveda is an obstetrics and gynecology practice in Tucson. KVOA report.Her practice is featured below HealthGrades.com and WebMD Doctor Website.

Officials say additional charges may apply.