Palmer man accused of sexually abusing his dog, troopers say

A Palmer man is accused of forcing his dog to perform oral sex on him, according to Alaska State Troopers, who say search warrants turned up video evidence supporting the allegation. Robert Torpin, 27, has actively avoided contact with troopers, and troopers have requested a warrant for his arrest on charges of Cruelty to Animals.

The case began Friday at about 9 a.m., when Animal Control reported animal cruelty to troopers, according to dispatch AK26095580, posted Saturday. A dog named Lucy had been surrendered. A physical exam found bruising of the tonsils and oral abrasions. Troopers opened an investigation into Torpin, the dog's owner, and executed multiple search warrants. The dispatch says those searches revealed "numerous items of video evidence." It does not say where Lucy is now.

Alaska law defines cruelty to animals to include knowingly engaging in sexual conduct with an animal, under AS 11.61.140(a)(6). That offense is a class A misdemeanor. It rises to a class C felony only if the person has a prior conviction under the same statute, or a similar law elsewhere, within 10 years.

The dispatch contains no statement from Torpin. Charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The dispatch does not say whether a judge has signed the warrant.