TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – A Tucson OBGYN, Dr. Raquel Mercado-Sepulveda, has been sentenced after being found guilty of performing illegal surgeries on dogs. Despite facing multiple felony charges, she won’t serve any prison time.
A woman closely tied to the case, that doesn’t want to be identified, expressed disappointment over the sentencing.
“I feel like she should have done some prison time,” said the woman.
Investigators revealed the Doctor performed illegal surgeries on dogs, such as botched C-sections, had expired medications, and kept dogs in poor conditions.
Mercado-Sepulveda faced six charges, including four felonies, related to animal cruelty. On February 26 she was sentenced by a judge, she was only sentenced for animal cruelty and performing veterinary care without a license, resulting in six months of probation.
“Punishment for these types of crimes won’t be harsher until laws are changed,” said the woman we spoke with.
Mercado-Sepulveda declined to comment when contacted by phone. She continues to practice as an OBGYN, with her license remaining unblemished according to the Arizona Medical Board’s records.
“It’s hard to comprehend how she can be a doctor but can do something like this to an animal,” said the woman connected to the case.
Steve Kozachik, Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) director, shared plans for unannounced checkups to ensure compliance.
“We’re going to do what we can to make sure this doesn’t recur at this particular location or anywhere else in this community,” said Kozachik.
He explained the surprise nature of the inspections.
“The reason they’re not announced is because we want to catch them in the act if they continue to do this,” said Kozachik.
Kozachik acknowledged a broader issue.
“We know there’s a ring, we know this is not unique to Pima County and going on in other areas across Arizona,” said Kozachik.
The PACC checkups will continue throughout Mercado-Sepulveda’s six-month probation.
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