Authorities in Virginia say a man who once owned a Suffolk dog kennel is facing criminal charges related to alleged bestiality with one of the animals.

According to Fox News, 48-year-old Richard Patterson is accused of engaging in sex with a dog, along with his wife, 42-year-old Christina Patterson. The alleged criminal activity occurred in the couple’s master bedroom and involved an animal named Demon, police say.

Police reports claim the suspects took steps including trimming the animal’s claws to make it easier to violate the dog.

Federal investigators responded to the scene in July 2017 and conducted a search of the property. Among the evidence reportedly collected at that time was video footage apparently depicting the man and woman having sex with a Doberman pinscher.

Investigators first became aware of claims against the couple after receiving a report that Richard Patterson — a convicted felon — was engaging in the sale of firearms. He has since pleaded guilty to related counts including obstruction of justice and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, which netted him a jail term of more than eight years.

His wife pleaded guilty to a related obstruction of justice charge stemming from her effort to stymie a search warrant by transferring ownership of Imperial K-9 kennel to herself.

Richard Patterson was indicted earlier this week on criminal charges including bestiality and animal cruelty.

His wife was indicted about three months ago on similar counts. Her trial is expected to begin in about a month.

Shortly after allegations related to the case began to spread in the news, Christina Patterson’s attorney said she had “received death threats and threats against her children,” adding that she feared for her safety.

[Featured image: Richard Patterson, Suffolk Police]