Horrific details in a Bullhead City man’s animal abuse case have been laid out in separate hearings at the Mohave County Courthouse. Judge Billy Sipe expressed outrage that Nicholas Saucedo, 19, “tortured” a mixed-breed Jack Russell terrier/Chihuahua named Baby Girl last October.
A factual basis statement for the plea agreement convicting Saucedo of cruel mistreatment of an animal said that arriving Bullhead City police officers found a badly beaten dog and a disturbing crime scene.
“Officers examined Baby Girl and found that her paws had been punctured, that her eyes and head appeared to be swollen,” the factual basis statement said. “Officers found blood in the bathroom smeared on the walls and found an earring that was used to puncture the dog’s paws.”
Authorities said Saucedo admitted hitting and kicking Baby Girl but denied puncturing the dog’s paws.
During an April 29 sentencing hearing, his attorney said that Saucedo had already served 201 days in jail and that no further incarceration was necessary.
“Not on my watch,” Sipe replied. While a prison sentence was not an option, Sipe exercised his discretion to impose an additional 164 days, bringing Saucedo’s jail time to one full year.
Sipe said he wanted to send a message that might deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
“This really is torture of an animal that is defenseless,” Sipe said. “This is just like children. We have to protect animals and children because they cannot protect themselves.”
Sipe also ordered that Saucedo be put on probation for three years once he completes his jail sentence.
Lost in disposition of the case is any word of what happened to the dog which Sipe said may have suffered brain damage, might have gone blind or maybe even died. Neither attorney could answer the judge’s question regarding the status of Baby Girl’s health.
Following the hearing, Bullhead City Police Department spokeswoman Emily Fromelt said a police report indicated that SAINT — a local animal advocacy group — had offered Baby Girl’s owner financial assistance for veterinary care. Fromelt said the woman indicated she would contact police if Baby Girl suffered ongoing medical problems following the incident. That apparently never happened, as Fromelt said there was no supplemental report or other information available.
