The Public Perception of Zoophilic Acts in Hungary
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Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
2
Department of Veterinary Forensics and Economics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2025, 15(4), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040465
Submission received: 7 December 2024
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Revised: 12 January 2025
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Accepted: 5 February 2025
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Published: 7 February 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)
Simple Summary
The study examined public attitudes towards zoophilia in Hungary, surveying 1753 people. It revealed strong disapproval of zoophilia, with most respondents condemning it due to health and animal welfare concerns. Many recognized animals’ dignity and believed that zoophilia harms it. However, awareness of Hungary’s legal stance was limited, with a significant number unaware of its prohibition. Most respondents supported strict penalties for zoophilic acts. Among those who reported encountering such incidents, the majority involved dogs. Gender and settlement type affect attitudes toward zoophilic acts, with women and city residents showing higher awareness and support for strict sanctions. The findings highlight the need for better public education and legal reforms.
Abstract
This study aimed to assess public perceptions and knowledge of, and attitudes towards, zoophilia in Hungary. Conducted between October and December 2021 with 1753 respondents, the survey revealed significant interest and concern regarding zoophilia. The majority (98.3%) of respondents deemed zoophilia to be unacceptable from both health and animal welfare perspectives. Of those surveyed, 98.9% believed that animals possess dignity, and 84.7% felt that zoophilia negatively impacts this dignity. However, awareness of Hungarian legislation on zoophilia was limited, with 38.9% of respondents unaware that such acts are legally prohibited. The survey also highlighted a strong consensus (98.2%) favoring strict penalties for zoophilia. Additionally, the survey uncovered that 14% of respondents had encountered or heard of zoophilic incidents, involving various animals, predominantly dogs. Gender and settlement type significantly influence attitudes toward zoophilic acts, with women and people in capital and major cities being more aware of the legal prohibition and more supportive of strict sanctions. The results underscore a crucial need for enhanced public education on legal standards and ethical considerations regarding zoophilia and suggest a significant gap in understanding and managing the issue, necessitating further research and legislative reforms.
Keywords:
animal welfare; zoophilia; zoophile acts; animal cruelty; penal sanctioning
