A Tucson doctor has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after authorities say he performed “unlicensed and illegal surgeries on dogs.”
Dr. Raquel Marie Mercado-Sepulveda, 42, an obstetrician-gynecologist, was arrested Thursday at an office near North Wilmot Road and East Carondelet Drive, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a Monday news release. was detained at the location.
She is charged with felony animal cruelty, according to the release.
The department searched multiple locations on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 as part of an investigation that began with a tip to the Pima County Animal Shelter in late 2022, according to the release. The Drug Enforcement Administration is also investigating, the statement said.
Investigators said 14 dogs and three rabbits were seized from Mercado Sepulveda's residence, along with other evidence in the case.
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In March 2023, a search warrant was served on the doctor's residence and clinic. At that time, 36 dogs and two cats were seized along with other evidence.
This investigation is ongoing.
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