Answer:
by Carolyn Gerdes: (05/06/2004)
Sexual interaction with an animal such as a dog,
horse, or sheep is known as zoophilia or bestiality. It is
not uncommon for adolescents before they start having
sexual relationships with their peers to experiment
with different forms of sexual expression. Alfred Kinsey
found in his studies of human sexual behaviors back in
the 1940s and 1950s that about 4% of females and 8% of
the males of nearly 12,000 Americans that he
interviewed reported having sexual experience with
animals.
In rural areas farm animals such as sheep and
calves were the most common form of human-animal
sexual interaction reported. In urban areas the most
common form of human-animal sexual interaction
reported was with household pets. Kinsey found that
most of the sexual relations with animals occurred early
in the teen years before these individuals started to
date.
Most states have laws against zoophilia that view it as
a crime and zoophilia is even punishable in some states
by stiff jail terms.
From a health stand point most
viruses are species specific. This means that a viral
infection can only be passed to members of the same
species.
However, there are some notable exceptions such as
rabies. Other concerns include the possibility of
accidental bites, bruises, or scratches if the animal
becomes frightened or is startled.
Try to involve your son in activities where he meets
other teens his age. This should help to draw his
attention away from your family pet. For further
information you may wish to contact The Sexuality
Information and Education Council of the United States
(SIECUS) in New York City.
Reviewed by: Mitchell Tepper Ph.D.,
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