From KOAT.com, Man Arrested In Connection With Animal Sexual Assault
In 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.
