Man Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Dog

A man was arrested after neighbors reported seeing him sexually assaulting his family's 10-year-old female Rottweiler, police said.

Ubaldo Vasquez Huizar, 39, was arrested for investigation of two counts of sexual assault on an animal, according to a statement from Ontario police Detective David McBride.

Detectives learned of the alleged crimes after going to Huizar's home to notify him that he was required to register as a sex offender, the statement said. Huizar had been convicted last December of exposing himself to an 11-year-old girl, police said.

He also was wanted on an outstanding $10,000 drug warrant.

While at the home, police learned that Huizar was living in a large doghouse in the backyard, McBride's statement said.

Neighbors reported that he often slept naked in the doghouse with the family dog, Mayra, the statement said. They said they saw Huizar sexually assault the animal with a broom handle and his hand and heard the dog cry in pain when he was in the doghouse, the statement said.

Neighbors also reported seeing Huizar in his back yard dressed in a woman's bra and panties, dancing with a broom handle, police said.

Huizar was booked at the West Valley Detention Center, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Web site.

The Inland Valley Humane Society took Mayra into protective custody, police said. The family might not get the dog back if Huizar is convicted of sexually assaulting it.

Studies have shown a link between abuse of animals and abuse of humans, said Martin Mersereau, manager of the domestic animal abuse division of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

"A large percentage of sexual abusers start out abusing animals," he said.