x
Breaking News
More () »

Sheriff: Arizona doctor facing animal cruelty charges after performing 'illegal' surgeries

Several dogs, cats and rabbits have been seized from the doctor's residence and office, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Credit: 12 News
Stay with 12 News and 12News.com for updates.

TUCSON, Ariz. — An Arizona doctor was recently arrested at her office after she allegedly conducted unlicensed and illegal surgeries on dogs, the sheriff's department said. 

Dr. Raquel Marie Mercado-Sepulveda was taken into custody by the Pima County Sheriff's Department after a years-long investigation into allegations of animal cruelty. 

The county's animal control department received a tip in 2022 about the doctor, which resulted in authorities seizing 36 dogs and two cats from Mercado-Sepulveda's residence and medical office in March 2023.

Last week, the sheriff's office executed warrants at multiple locations that resulted in investigators seizing 14 dogs and three rabbits from the doctor's home.

The investigation is ongoing and the suspect is facing felony charges of animal cruelty, the sheriff's office said. 

According to Arizona Medical Board records, the only licensed physician in Arizona matching the suspect's name is a Tucson-based doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.

UP TO SPEED

 

Watch 12News+ for free

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."

Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

Before You Leave, Check This Out