The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that a prominent lawyer and an animal shelter volunteer has been arrested in a bizarre bestiality case involving his Labrador Snoopy. Ivan DeVoren, 61, is charged with 10 felony counts of animal cruelty, 10 counts of sexual intercourse with an animal in addition to drug charges. After police found crack cocaine and other drugs in his home, they added possession charges.

DeVoren represents energy companies on regulatory challenges and compliance. He has described himself as a “lawyer and philanthropist” according to Heavy.com.

 

DeVoren was arrested after a neighbor called police about “strange noises” coming from his home.  Snoopy was found to have colon injuries.

 

 

 

 

This case follows a slew of recent bestiality cases: here and here and here. This included another Pennsylvania case and the first case of bestiality filed in Ohio.

What is surprising is that the Pennsylvania statute seems to make intercourse with an animal only a misdemeanor:

2014 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Title 18 – CRIMES AND OFFENSES
Chapter 31 – Sexual Offenses
Section 3129 – Sexual intercourse with animal

Universal Citation: 18 PA Cons Stat § 3129 (2014)

§ 3129. Sexual intercourse with animal.

A person who engages in any form of sexual intercourse with an animal commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.

18c3129v

(June 18, 1999, P.L.67, No.8, eff. 60 days)

1999 Amendment. Act 8 added section 3129.

Cross References. Section 3129 is referred to in section 5329 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations); section 62A03 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).

However, an animal cruelty charge can be brought as a felony.  Section 5533 is a misdemeanor in the second degree for intentionally, knowingly or recklessly illtreating, overloading, beating, abandoning or abusing an animal.  However, Section 5534 allows for a felony aggravated cruelty charge for torturing an animal or  causing serious bodily injury or death of an animal.

DeVoren earned his college degree from Penn State‘s Smeal College of Business and his law degree from the Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia.  Heavy.com reported that one of DeVoren’s LinkedIn recommendations reads, “[DeVoren] is conscientious and ethical in all matters.”