By Alison James

alison.james@franklincountytimes

A Phil Campbell man was arrested and charged with four counts of bestiality Monday.

Sheriff Shannon Oliver said his office “received information someone had overheard him and his dog.” Investigators interviewed the suspect, and he admitted to intercourse with the dog.

Russell Joseph Meyers, 54, of Highway 143 in Phil Campbell, was also charged with possession of marijuana, second degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Meyers is reportedly a Chicago native who, Oliver said, said he ended up in Phil Campbell after his work with traveling circuses.

Bond hearing for Meyers was held Tuesday, and bond was set at $6,000 for six charges. Bestiality is a Class A misdemeanor, district attorney Joey Rushing said.

“We’re treating this … as it involved a sexual motivation to the crime,” Rushing said. “If proven, he will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.”

Bestiality is not on the books as a sexual crime, but Rushing said they were able to file notice that will allow him to prosecute it that way.

As part of the bond requirement, Meyers cannot possess animals or firearms until case is resolved.

Meyers is in the Franklin County Jail. The dog, as well as an additional dog, is in the custody of animal control.

“Right now they are just holding it so we can figure out through the district attorney what we need to do with it,” Oliver said.