A man caught by his neighbors fondling his puppy multiple times has been convicted of animal abuse, along with several other misdemeanors. James Guy Bull, 62, had been spotted earlier this year fondling his 8-month-old pit bull outside his apartment in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Bull pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges and misdemeanor sexual activities involving animals in connection with the crimes, according to First Coast News.
The case added that the dog, named Coco, looked emaciated when cops arrived after being notified by Bull’s neighbors about a yelping dog. One neighbor told First Coast News that he caught Bull in the act. The neighbor was walking around Bull’s apartment when he said he saw Bull, “pulling his pants up,” and “putting the dog down.”
When cops arrived on the scene, they found the dog living in squalid conditions, tied to an 8-inch tether with little food, reports My Fox 8.
After the sentencing, State Attorney R.J. Larizza called the facts behind the case “vile” and said the acts that Bull committed, “shocked the conscious,” of the community. An affidavit called the dog “skittish” and stated that abuse was clearly present. Bull now faces a five-year sentence for bestiality. Coco remains in custody of animal rescue and has had her name changed to Rose.