Sex-With-Horse Sting Ensnares Man In Leesburg: Police

LEESBURG, VA—A Maryland man was arrested Thursday, May 2, after trying to arrange a sexual encounter with a horse, according to Loudoun County Animal Services. James Von Dundas, 67, of North Potomac, was charged with attempted carnal knowledge of an animal.

Authorities say Von Dundas solicited an undercover officer with the LCAS to arrange the deed at Balls Bluff Park, where he instead was met by Leesburg Police. Following his arrest, Von Dundas was released on a $2,500 bond and prohibited from contact with animals of all species pending a May 6 appearance in Loudoun County General District Court.

"We recognize that proactive investigations are one of the best ways to ensure the community is safe," Department of Animal Services Director Nina Stively said in a release. "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.