By C1 Staff
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A man convicted of fondling and raping his 8-month-old dog has been sentenced to five years behind bars.
First Coast News reports that James Guy Bull, 62, pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges and misdemeanor sexual activities involving animals in correction with the crimes.
“The facts of this case are incomprehensible and vile,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said. “The defendant’s abuse of the helpless dog shocks the collective conscience of the citizens of the Seventh Circuit and beyond.”
On March 18, two of Bull’s neighbors came forward, claiming they had seen him fondling the dog’s private parts on several occasions, despite cries and yelps from the animal.
One neighbor claimed to have seen Bull in the act, and when Bull saw him, he immediately pulled up his pants and put the dog down.
When police arrived at Bull’s home, they said they found the small, “clearly emaciated” dog chained to a post on the front porch.
“She had about 8 inches of free reign, no water, no shelter and no food for her,” an affidavit said.
The affidavit also stated that the dog showed signs of physical and sexual abuse, and was “skittish and obviously afraid.”
The dog is now safe in the custody of an animal rescue.