A Pennsylvania man has been arrested for assaulting a woman and forcing her to help him have sexual intercourse with a dog over several months.

Joshua Vonada, 23, from the borough of Centre Hall in Centre County in the US state of Pennsylvania, faces charges relating to sexual intercourse with an animal, terroristic threats, and assault.

The investigation was launched after the police were called to Mount Nittany Medical Center on Sunday about an alleged assault on 10th December.

The female victim told officers that she had become embroiled in a heated row with the suspect while they were driving.

According to the police, the woman claimed Vonada pointed a gun at her before punching her leg and threatening to throw her out of the car and run her over.

She said she did not feel safe reporting Vonada until she was in hospital.

The police said the victim showed them photos of her injuries and they also seized the gun she referred to in the alleged assault.

During the ongoing investigation, the police discovered that the suspect had allegedly forced the woman to help him have sexual intercourse with his pet dog over a period of several months.

Vonada was arrested and arraigned on 2nd January with a preliminary hearing scheduled for 12th January.