A Florida man is facing animal cruelty charges after he shot and killed an iguana last year, though 43-year-old P.J. Patterson is claiming innocence due to Florida's "stand your grand" defense.
Patterson told the courts he was "viciously attacked" by the iguana after helping it cross the street last year, though security cameras showed Patterson attacking the animal for about 30 minutes.
The animal ended up biting Patterson, which sent the man into a "violent rage" according to WESH. The iguana was left incapacitated, and though Patterson and his lawyers claimed "stand your ground" because the iguana bit him, a judge rejected the defense last week as the animal bit the 43-year-old after it had been attacked.
The iguana was taken to Animal Control where it was humanely euthanized.
Patterson was arrested on animal cruelty charges, and following the court's decision faces up to five years in prison.
