Farmhand arrested for 'having sex with 21-month-old female miniature donkey named Doodle'



A Florida farm worker was arrested and charged with engaging in sexual activity involving an animal and animal cruelty after police say he had sex with a miniature female donkey.

Carlos Romero, 31, was taken into custody on Monday at the Ocala farm where he was employed after reportedly admitting to police that he becomes aroused seeing animals in heat and mating.

When interviewed on Friday by police, Romero described in graphic detail his sexual encounter with the 21-month-old donkey named Doodle, saying that he likes how the critter's fur feels against his privates, according to the police report cited by The Smoking Gun.

Busted: Attorneys for farmhand Carlos Romero are arguing that Florida's laws prohibiting sex with animals are a violation of his constitutional rights

The 31-year-old went on to say that he 'may have come in contact with the donkey' by accident and left his DNA 'by accident.' Romero also admitted that he masturbated with Doodle the donkey five or six times, but said he did not have sex with the critter because ‘she’s blooming into maturity,’ The Ocala Star-Banner reported.

The alleged incident that landed Romero behind bars took place on August 15, when Gerald James, who rents the farm in the 9100 block of NW 60th Avenue arrived at around 9:30pm to deliver a horse.



James told police that all the farm buildings were shrouded in darkness, but there was light in the tac room.

Through the window, James said he saw Romero with his shirt off and his pants down ‘up against the rear of the donkey’ and apparently having sex with it.

The 31-year-old farmhand pulled away from the 21-month-old animal after he saw James looking at him. He then pushed Doodle out the room and closed the door behind it.

James reported the incident to police on September 11, and three days later, officers came by the farm to question the suspect.

Animal abuse: Romero told police he masturbated with the 21-month-old donkey named Doodle (not pictured) up to six times, but did not have sex with it

According to a police report, the 31-year-old told officers that Florida was 'backwards' because its residents 'frown on zoophilia.'

Romero was sent to the Marion County Jail on $2,000 bond. His miniature donkey was taken away by animal control officials.

Since his arrest, Romero spoke out about the incident, demanding that Doodle - which he claims he paid $500 for - be returned to him. Jail officials said Romero was placed in protective custody 'for his own protection.'

Marion County spokeswoman Elaine McClain said within 10 days, officials plan to file a petition with the court for custody of Doodle – something that Romero fiercely opposes.



If the court grants the custody request, the county may put the donkey up for adoption. Doodle appears to be in good health, McClain said, and there are ‘no outward signs of any physical abuse.’

At Romero's first appearance via video from the jail, Judge Steven Rogers denied him a public defender. Romero entered a not guilty plea, and his next court appearance was scheduled for October 9.

In an earlier interview with the Star-Banner, Romero accused James of being a peeping tom and said he believes his privacy was invaded.

On his part, James said that if Romero is released from jail, he will not be welcomed back at the farm.