An Oregon man with a history of drug addiction has been charged with sexually assaulting a chicken. Joshua Woltmon, 27, from Medford, Oregon, was arrested on May 1 for charges including menacing, public indecency, disorderly conduct, theft, possession of methamphetamine and sexual assault of an animal, the Daily Mail reports.
The man reportedly exposed himself and came into contact with the bird’s genitals, Mail Tribune reports. He used the chicken “for the purpose of arousing and gratifying the sexual desire of a person,” according to court documents. He also allegedly threatened a man with a sharp stick.
While court records do not show prior sexual offenses for Woltmon, he has been arrested dozens of times for charges including assault, harassment, trespassing and possession of methamphetamine.
He pleaded not guilty to the eight criminal counts against him on May 2, but Judge Tim Barnack ordered that he be held on a bail of $25,000. If he makes his bail, he will also need to comply with mental health professionals.
According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, 36 states have laws expressly outlawing the sexual assault of animals. States without these laws reportedly consider such cases under their anti-cruelty laws. Research has reportedly linked crimes of sexual assault against animals with violence against humans, according to a 2002 study.
According to a guidebook from the National District Attorney’s Association, nearly one-half of states require those who are convicted on charges of charges of animal sexual assault to register as sex offenders.
H/T Opposing Views
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