“A Case Study of Preferential Bestiality”, Christopher M. Earls, Martin L. Lalumière2007-12-22 (computer security, psychiatry)⁠:

In a previous article, we presented phallometric data to illustrate a case of preferential bestiality or zoophilia (Earls & Lalumière2002). Based on the available literature, we argued that a marked preference for having sex with animals over sex with humans is extremely rare.

In the present article, we describe a second case of zoophilia that challenges the widely held assumptions that men who have sex with animals are generally of below average intelligence and come from rural areas. In addition, we provide a brief review of a burgeoning quantitative literature using large groups of zoophiles recruited from internet sources.

Although estimates of the prevalence of zoophilia are not possible at this time, it appears that zoophilia is not as rare as once thought and shares many features with other atypical sexual interests.

…Following the publication of our study, several journalists contacted us with requests for additional information concerning bestiality. One article was featured in a local university newspaper. To our surprise, we received a number of letters from individuals who either had additional information concerning acquaintances who engaged in sexual relations with animals or from individuals who, themselves, were currently engaging in such relations. Even more surprising was the fact that some of these letters appeared to come from highly educated professionals.

Unfortunately, although intriguing, it was impossible to establish the veracity of most letters. One, however, was sent electronically. This letter was long, detailed, and signed “Possum”. Embedded within the electronic information was a name. By cross-referencing the name with various data banks (eg. the Social Sciences Citation Index, Google, and Yahoo), we were able to verify several important demographic aspects of the author. Almost simultaneously, the author also realized that he had inadvertently divulged his identity. Over a series of e-mails, we became satisfied that the information supplied by the author was, in fact, true. We were also able to obtain his permission to publish the following case study.