Dog sexually assaulted at shelter
Albuquerque, NM (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008
County: Bernalillo
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Pete Chavez, Jr.
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Albuquerque police are investigating a disturbing case involving a man who sexually abused at least one dog at a local animal shelter.
The suspect is accused of sodomizing a dog at the Humane Society shelter near Wyoming and Zuni.
Detectives say the suspect has broken into dog kennels four times in the past two months.
Police say veterinarians at the shelter confirmed the abuse during exams.
The Humane Society won't comment on the case because they say it might prevent people from adopting pets.
People outside the shelter were shocked to hear what someone has been doing to the animals.
"It's pretty sick. I think I can't even fathom somebody doing that," said one woman who was at the shelter.
Detectives are hoping the suspect may have left evidence that will lead to his arrest.
"The animal did go through a SANE exam, which is similar to what a victim would go through in a rape case. That evidence hasn't been processed yet, so I don't know if there is any DNA evidence there," said Sergeant Rachel Azbill.
Deputies say if the suspect is caught, he will face bestiality charges.
Case UpdatesIn August, someone broke into an Albuquerque animal shelter, stole a dog and sexually assaulted the animal. Thursday, Bernalillo County Detectives arrested Pete Chavez Jr. Thursday in connection with the incident.
The police report states he stole a golden retriever from the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico in July and sodomized it, possibly with a foreign object.
A staff veterinarian reported the dog had serious injuries.
Detectives said an informant led them to the suspect.
According to the informant, the suspect has a history of burglarizing homes and businesses as well as a history of sexual acts with animals.
The informant told police she witnessed Chavez allow a Chihuahua dog to lick his genitals on a previous occasion.
She also told police she was with him while robbing a home last Christmas Eve, stealing Christmas presents, a TV and pottery in the house.
This is a case detectives say are glad is coming to a close.
"In seven years in law enforcement, I've never heard of a crime like this," said Detective Amy Dudewicz of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. "I know it exists. As far as my reaction to this, I am horrified."
Chavez is charged with residential burglary, commercial burglary, criminal damage to property and extreme animal cruelty.
Even if Chavez is convicted of these crimes, he would not have to register as a sex offender, according to current state law. | Source: KOAT - Oct 2, 2008
Update posted on Oct 2, 2008 - 10:21PM |
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