MAN who legally changed his name to Sexy Vegan has been charged with sexually assaulting his dog, according to cops.

Vegan - born Hansel Marion DeBartolo III - was arrested in West Hollywood over a video allegedly posted on social media.

1 Sexy Vegan has been charged with sexually assaulting his dog Credit: Instagram

Prosecutors in California claim it shows “inappropriate behaviour” with a pit bull.

“Detectives found a video on social media of the suspect performing an act of bestiality,” Shirley Miller of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Office told KHTS.

Two dogs were later removed from Vegan’s home by animal-control officials, Miller said.

The 37-year-old, who has his new name tattooed on his face, was charged with one misdemeanour count each of sexual assault on an animal and posting obscene matter, according to the reports.

Vegan, who pleaded not guilty in court on Friday, faces up to a year in jail if convicted, the attorney’s office said.

However it stressed the case was still being investigated against Vegan - who has more than 960,000 Instagram followers.

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He is scheduled back in court on October 7 at the Santa Clarita Courthouse.

Vegan gained notoriety for an appearance on 'Dr Phil' in which he was kicked off “for using excessive profanity” according to his own website.

Vegan later insisted he was running for president, although no official paperwork has ever been filed.