December 9, Don Pumphrey, Jr. Florida Legislature has made it illegal for citizens to engage in any sexual activity with animals. A recent case in Florida highlights the charges that can come with bestiality accusations after a man was witnessed having sex with a dog.
This article will provide information on the case, the charges the defendant received, and what possible defenses are available for someone facing a similar charge. Chad Mason, 36, was arrested in Clearwater, Florida after witnesses reported seeing him engage in sexual activity with a dog. The arrest affidavit claimed that Mason knew the owner of the dog and had been walking the Goldendoodle around the apartment complex.
Several people at the apartment complex—including a juvenile under the age of 16—witnessed the act and confronted Mason, who then took off running. The suspect then took off and fled to a nearby neighborhood. Clearwater deputies managed to apprehend him and booked him into jail.
Mason has been charged with sexual activity involving animals, two counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition, two counts of exposure of sexual organs, criminal mischief, and criminal mischief to a place of worship. Any person who violates the above law can be charged with a third-degree felony in Florida.
This does not apply to practices involving animal husbandry for agricultural purposes, such as birthing or artificial insemination of an animal, as well as judging practices or accepted veterinary medical practices. Florida Statute section In addition, being naked in public in a vulgar or indecent manner also violates section For a first-time offense, an exposure of sexual organs charge is considered a first-degree misdemeanor.
