Animal sex suspect says tried to ‘pleasure’ dogs

17 March 2005

BRUSSELS – A 36-year-old Genk man told a court in Tongres he had sex with dogs at an animal refuge to give them pleasure.

The man, whose identity cannot be revealed for legal reasons, admitted to having sex with dogs between 1997 and 1999 and publishing photos of the acts on the internet, La Derniere Heure reported.

The animal rights organisation Gaia took him to court after being tipped off about the abuse.

Gaia claimed in the photographs the man was “proudly looking at the camera”.

Addressing the court, the defendant said the dogs had wanted to have sex with him and that he had never hurt them or forced them.

He said the incidents took place when he was working as a volunteer at the animal sanctuary.

When the judge asked him if it was usual for him to have sexual relationships with the dogs, he replied that he only wanted to give them pleasure by allowing them to make love at least once in their life.

“A dog from the refuge who is adopted by a young family with children never has the opportunity to have sexual relations and if he tries, he is castrated,” he told the judge.

He said he gave up working at the sanctuary because he could no longer stand to see the animals suffering.

Investigators who raided the defendant’s home found more than 30,000 offensive photos.

Representing Gaia, lawyer Johan Verstraeten said it was clear that the man had abused the dogs and that, unlike humans, dogs couldn’t express their consent to sex.

Verstraeten added that the defendant was clearly disturbed.

The man could face up to six months in prison and a fine of EUR 5,000 for animal abuse and immoral behaviour.

The case was adjourned until 7 April for a psychiatric report on the defendant.

[Copyright Expatica 2005]

Subject: Belgian news