A North Potomac, Maryland, man is facing a felony charge for the attempted carnal knowledge of an animal after allegedly soliciting an undercover Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) officer in Leesburg for the opportunity to have sexual relations with a horse.
On May 2, 2019, an investigation by LCAS resulted in the arrest of James Von Dundas, 67, by the Leesburg Police Department at Balls Bluff Park where undercover Animal Services officers met Von Dundas, who, they say, indicated his intent to engage in the illegal activity.
“Loudoun County has zero tolerance for criminal acts that include cruel and heinous behavior towards animals,” LCAS Chief of Animal Control Chris Brosan said. “We routinely conduct investigations to protect all animals in Loudoun.”
Following his arrest, Von Dundas was released on $2,500 bond and has been prohibited from contact with animals of all species pending a court appearance. An arraignment is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2019, in Loudoun County General District Court.
“We recognize that proactive investigations are one of the best ways to ensure the community is safe,” said Department of Animal Services Director Nina Stively. “We do not want to wait for crimes against animals to happen, we want to prevent them.”
Under the Code of Virginia, crimes against nature involving animals are a Class 6 felony, which carry a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Earlier this year, the Virginia Court of Appeals upheld the Commonwealth’s ban on bestiality through the crimes against nature statute, recognizing that animals are not able to provide consent.
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