Sexuality with Animals (Zoophilia) – an Unrecognized Problem in Animal Welfare Legislation Report by Gieri Bolliger and Antoine F. Goetschel, Zurich 2005
Sexuality with animals (zoophilia) has always been an element of human culture and it remains a far more widespread phenomenon than generally assumed. While zoophilia was severely penalized on ethical and religious grounds for centuries, the age of enlightenment led to more rational views on this topic and consequently milder punishment until finally the sanctions were lifted in most countries.
June 1, 2007
Apart from presenting a summary about the changes in legislation dealing with zoophilia in the course of time, this article tries to provide an outline of today’s legal position on zoophilia in the world. A closer look at the existing laws points out the loopholes in the respective criminal codes and animal welfare legislations regarding the punishment of zoophilic actions. Taking into account modern ethical animal welfare concepts, the viewpoint of the “dignity of the animal” is an important factor in the revision of existing laws.
The need for revised legislations as a result of this new concept is discussed.