FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. - A Phil Campbell man has been charged with four counts of bestiality. Investigators said Russell Meyers engaged in sexual acts with his dog.
"The four counts was he admitted to four different occasions with the animal," explained Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver. "It's obvious that there is a condition there. That's just abnormal no matter how you look at it and he does need help."
Meyers appeared in court Tuesday, covering his face with his hands as he was led in the courthouse. He denied the charges, saying he was "set up."
The judge set Meyers' bond at $6,000. She ordered Meyers to not own animals or firearms while on bond, and to not have any contact with his neighbor, who witnessed the act.
The District Attorney presented allegation that the acts were sexually motivated. Sheriff Oliver hoped the court system will guide Meyers in the best direction. The case is a first for the department, and Tuesday's bond hearing was the first step into new territory.
"At this point in time it's more of a issue of his mental state and his condition," Oliver said, "and at this time the dog's in the custody of animal control and it will be held there until we further the investigation to see what we need to do with the animal."
Meyers' German Shepherd was taken from him. Again. animal control has the dog.
