Man arrested for sexual activity with neighbor’s dog

WARNING: CONTENTS MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME

CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. — A man was arrested last week after an incident involving a dog in Carroll County.

According to an affidavit of complaint, on Friday, July 18, 77-year-old Harold Edward Smothers was arrested and charged with public indecency and sexual activity with animals.

The affidavit states that around 12 p.m. that day, a Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to a residence on Connie Allen Road after receiving a report of a male doing “ungodly things” to a dog.

The affidavit states that the owner of the dog and property captured Smothers on camera in her backyard, where he was allegedly seen engaging in sexual activity with the dog. According to the affidavit, Smothers also passed a bowel movement in the backyard.

According to the affidavit, the incident took place outside a home not far from Smothers’ own residence.

Upon arrival, the deputy stated he came into contact with Smothers, who was observed playing tug of war with the dog and rubbing what appeared to be a “soiled” rag in the dog’s face. The affidavit says that Smothers stated that he was “only playing with the dog when he had to go to the bathroom.”

The deputy stated that Smothers was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.

The affidavit shows that Smothers was issued a $1,000 bond on the public indecency charge, and a $2,500 bond on the charge of sexual activity with animals.

Records available online indicate that he bonded out of custody just hours after being booked into the jail.

Court staff confirm that Smothers is expected to appear in Carroll County General Sessions Court on August 13.

Click here to view the full affidavit (Warning: contents may be disturbing)

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