Demand Rescue of Dog Allegedly Victimized in Infamous Bestiality Case

Update (July 19, 2023): The district attorney’s office may be telling people that the warrant was denied and that this case is out of its hands. It may also be saying that because the alleged perpetrator apparently placed the dog in the custody of a family member, the animal isn’t currently at risk. We strongly refute that claim, as Themis Matsoukas could return for the dog at any time (or possibly already has). Crimes involving bestiality are often serial in nature, and this victim remains at risk. Please continue to express your concerns and push for seizure of the dog.

Original post:

In June, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources reportedly arrested Themis Matsoukas, a former professor at Penn State’s University Park campus, upon allegedly catching him sexually assaulting his dog in Rothrock State Forest. According to news sources, Matsoukas faces a slew of charges, including bestiality, cruelty to animals, open lewdness, indecent exposure, and disorderly conduct. When caught, the suspect reportedly unapologetically stated to authorities, “You don’t understand. I do it to blow off steam.”

Learning that the dog had somehow not been seized on site, that Matsoukas had apparently fled the jurisdiction, and that officials didn’t know the whereabouts of his alleged victim, PETA promptly hired a private investigator, who tracked the animal down. However, even though we provided this information weeks ago and have been pushing almost daily for the dog to be rescued before he disappears again, Huntingdon County officials have seemingly taken no action and are not even returning our calls.

We need your help! Please ask First Assistant District Attorney Ethan Wilt to secure whatever warrants are necessary in order to have this animal seized immediately, if it’s not already too late. Then share this alert with everyone you know.

Please place polite calls to 814-643-5371.