A 62-year-old Daytona Beach man pleaded no contest to charges that he was sexually abusing his small female dog on Thursday, according to the state attorney’s office.
Reports indicate that neighbors of the man said they saw the accused have sex with his 8-month-old dog.
Authorities allege that the dog showed signs of sexual abuse. They further claim that the dog was tied up to a post with no food or water, according to the report.
The man pleaded no contest to felony cruelty to animals and sexual activities involving animals.
His sentencing has been scheduled for next month and he faces up to five years in prison.
Animal cruelty charges can range in severity from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the behavior in question. Animal cruelty becomes a third-degree felony under Florida law when a person intentionally commits any act on any animal that results in excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering or cruelty that results in death of the animal. When animal cruelty is charged as a third-degree felony it carries a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and five years in prison. If prosecutors can show that the person accused of the animal cruelty violation knowingly and intentionally tortured or tormentented the animal to the point that it resulted in the injury, mutilation or death of the animal, the mandatory minimum fine for the offense will be $2,500 and the offender will be obligated to complete counseling or anger management courses.
When it comes to animal cruelty cases it is important to remember that while the welfare of animals is in fact protected under Florida law, your rights are also protected as an alleged offender. If you have been accused of animal cruelty and are facing criminal charges, a Volusia County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can assist you in overcoming these charges. Please call us today statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation. It is best to contact us as soon as possible after your arrest so that we can make sure your rights are immediately protected.