THE BEST KEPT CRIMINAL SECRET

Bestiality (sometimes incorrectly referred to as zoophilia) is an uncomfortable topic about which there is little reliable information. Defined simply, it is intentional sexually-motivated contact between a person and an animal, and is specifically illegal in most US states and most foreign countries.

Although reports of bestiality may seem to be rare, it actually happens far more often than you think, and is likely happening someplace in the world right now.  Recent research indicates the number of arrests for bestiality has risen by more than 600% in the past seven years.

WHO DOES IT?

There is no single profile hat fits all animal sex offenders, just as there is no single profile that fits all human sex offenders.  While the majority of offenders are white, middle-aged men, the number of women and couples has risen in recent years, and cases have been reported worldwide, so ethnicity, race, gender, and even primary sexual preference can vary.

Bestiality has been linked to a number of other criminal acts such as child and adult sexual abuse, making and distribution of extreme pornography, and interpersonal violence.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

- fact sheets, statistics, one-pagers

- case examples are updated daily and grouped by primary case elements (e.g. aggravated animal cruelty, child pornography, etc.).

- existing and proposed laws worldwide.

- articles of interest and summaries of research findings published in academic and scientific journals.

- specialized training for medical, social services, legal, and law enforcement professionals

Send an email of any length, or sign up for my monthly updates - a one-page summary of important cases, new research, or changes in laws that may affect you.

RESEARCH

CASE EXAMPLES

CONTACT

LAWS

TRAINING

Nine bestiality cases this month demonstrate a range of offender behavior.

Rep. Clark Stith has introduced legislation to prohibit bestiality in Wyoming. Passage would mean only 3 states remain without laws: HI, NM, and WV.

Hawaii to hear public testimony on Feb. 2 re: HB1085/SB343 prohibiting bestiality