- Arizona, USA -
Following a years-long investigation into animal cruelty, the Pima County Sheriff's Department arrested 42-years-old DR. RAQUEL MARIE MERCADO-SEPULVEDA (pictured).
A press release by the Department and obtained by Voice For Us, stated that it all started on November 15, 2022, when Pima County Animal Care Center (PCACC) received a tip regarding “alleged activities of Dr. Mercado-Sepulveda performing unlicensed and illegal surgeries on dogs”, including C-sections.
According to the Statement of Probable Cause obtained by Voice For Us, on March 14, 2023, PCACC received a report from VCA Animal Hospital regarding a French Bulldog named Kamari who had been brought in. VCA told PCACC that Kamari had signs that she had undergone a botched C-section and that the surgery was performed by Bully City Kennels, which investigators knew to be associated with MERCADO-SEPULVEDA.
Kamari's guardians were identified as Kaleb and Monica.
According to the Statement of Probable Cause, Monica took Kamari to VCA because she was not feeling well. Investigators then responded to VCA and interviewed Monica who “denied having detailed knowledge of the surgery.”
However, when MERCADO-SEPULVEDA’s phone was confiscated in a subsequent warrant, investigators learned that Kaleb was texting MERCADO-SEPULVEDA while Monica was at the vet inquiring which medications were used on Kamari and MERCADO-SEPULVEDA mentioned the ones she used.
In a subsequent statement, Monica contradicted herself and said that the surgery on Kamari was performed in Mexico. Later it was discovered that MERCADO-SEPULVEDA told Kaleb to say that the surgery on Kamari had been performed in Mexico. When MERCADO-SEPULVEDA admitted to seeing Kamari, she said it was for nausea and denied performing the C-section.
On March 14, 2024, a search warrant was served at MERCADO-SEPULVEDA’s residence and her medical office. Authorities confiscated evidence and removed thirty-six dogs and two cats.
As the investigation progressed, on January 17, and 18, 2024, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department served search warrants at multiple locations and on January 18, MERCADO-SEPULVEDA was taken into custody at her office near North Wilmot Road and East Carondelet Drive on felony animal cruelty charges.
Investigators confiscated additional evidence, and from MERCADO-SEPULVEDA’s residence they removed fourteen dogs and three rabbits.
PCACC took custody of Kamari to be properly cared for. A vet reported that Kamari had not even been “shaved at the incision site which is not standard practice.”
KGUN reports that according to the University of Arizona's website, MERCADO-SEPULVEDA is apparently affiliated as a Faculty Physician with the College of Medicine Tucson Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department advised that this investigation is ongoing and additional charges may follow.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
MERCADO-SEPULVEDA’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Prima County Sheriff’s Department.
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