Carmen Iben, Global Animal
FLORIDA — After caught engaging in sexual contact with his farm animal, Carlos Romero appeared in court to demand his terrorized donkey back in his possession. The 31-year-old man claims the animal technically belongs to him, as he fished out half a grand to buy her. It is unclear how long he has cared for the donkey. The chances that the young donkey is returned to Romero are slim, seeing that as of last year, bestiality is illegal in the state of Florida.
According to the New York Daily News, in an interview with the Star-Banner, Romero’s excuse to the incident is that he “has never been a people person.”
The sexual contact, he allegedly told police, was an accident.
He also claims that he has never actually had sex with his donkey, Doodle, because he respects that she is still growing up, though he admits to becoming sexually aroused when cleaning her genitalia. The donkey is just 21 months young.
Marion County officials have no intention of handing custody back over to the alleged animal abuser, but only time will tell what will happen to Doodle. The ongoing case revives the issue of how harsh punishments should be for animal sexual abusers.
Romero continues to turn heads as he claims that the farm owner who caught him participating in the crude act should be arrested for invasion of privacy. The farm owner’s response to this? He doesn’t care; his only desire is to keep Romero as far away from the farm and Doodle as possible.
Romero’s bail was set at $2,000 and he was placed into Marion County Jail.
Sexual assault of animals needs harsher punishment. Sign the petitions to protect animals from sexual assault and enforce harsher punishment.
