Dogs flee man with ‘bloody gloves’ who performed unlicensed pet surgeries, CA cops say

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office deputies said they arrested a California man who performed surgeries on dogs without a license.

On Jan. 25, someone called the police after she saw two men leaving a home wearing “bloody rubber gloves,” according to a San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office release. She also saw English bulldog puppies exit the house.

Deputies discovered that Pedro Maldonado Victorio, the owner of the house, already was being investigated for performing unlicensed pet surgeries by Manteca Animal Services.

When officers arrived, they found that Victorio’s kitchen had been transformed into a surgery room. They found at least a dozen dogs and narcotics. Lathrop Animal Services took the dogs to a veterinary hospital for care.

Deputies also issued search warrants for more locations, including Lathrop and Manteca, and found “additional evidence of illegal surgeries, $13,000 in cash, and 18 additional dogs” that were rescued.

Authorities found the dogs in “overcrowded kennels” and half of them needed treatment. They also found “the remains of deceased dogs,” according to the release.

Victorio was charged for “practicing veterinary medicine without a valid license, transporting a controlled substance, and cruelty to animals,” according to inmate records. He’s being held on $75,000 bail.

Lathrop Police and Manteca Police encourage anyone who bought a dog from Victorio or had him perform surgery on their pet to contact the police.

This story was originally published January 30, 2020 at 2:51 PM.