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WHAT IS BESTIALITY?

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

WHO DOES IT?

ILLINOIS - Matthew D. Allen, 37 has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for having sex with his German Shepherd.

In July last year, Allen posted a video of the act on Facebook and officers were able to identify him based on tattoos that could be seen.

He will not have to register as a sex offender.

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ABOUT 5% OF THE POPULATION

There is no single profile that 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 pedophilia, making and distribution of extreme pornography, and aggravated cruelty toward humans and animals.

On this site, you'll find cases grouped by primary behaviors. New cases and updates can be found on our Facebook page.

ARTICLES, RESEARCH, and TRAINING

Bestiality is a topic that generally provokes a strong reaction, whether its disgust, derision, or discussion.

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.

Based on proprietary research, the number of arrests for bestiality has risen by more than 600% in the past seven years.

In the RESOUCES section, you find links to academic publications, research papers and articles, and commentary on current issues.

Specialized TRAINING is available for enforcement officers,veterinarians, social workers, and legal professionals.

THE BEST KEPT CRIMINAL SECRET

Bestiality (sometimes incorrectly referred to as zoophilia) is the intentional sexual conduct or contact between a human and an animal. Penetration may or may not occur. Semen emission may or may not occur. Physical injury may or may not occur. What's important is the sexual motivation or intent of the human toward the animal and how the act is defined by the jurisdiction in which it occurs.

Scott Heiser, an attorney with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, says the lack of bestiality laws in states without them is due more to a lack of awareness than a lack of desire.

Bestiality is specifically illegal in most US states; please check for current laws in your jurisdiction.