Sex with animals is a sin: Cebu archdiocese

THE Archdiocese of Cebu condemned the two alleged cases of bestiality that took place last Sunday and last Tuesday.

Fr. Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocesan media liaison officer, told Sun. Star Cebu that bestiality, or having sexual intercourse with animals, is a form of aberration and is unnatural in the eyes of the church.

“Morally, it is not acceptable for it’s beneath man to have intimate acts with an animal,” he said.

Tan was referring to two incidents that involved a dog and a pig.

Last Sunday, a man from Mandaue City was arrested after he was caught allegedly trying to rape a dog that is owned by his uncle.

But police eventually released Harold (not his real name) after his uncle took pity on him.

The suspect was reportedly drunk during the alleged incident.

Old Testament

Last Tuesday, a man from Tabogon town was caught by his neighbor allegedly trying to have sex with a pregnant sow.

But the pig’s owner could not identify the perpetrator because it was too dark.

While he considered the cases to be “isolated,” Tan is concerned that it might cause a “trend” with some groups.

Tan also reminded the faithful to follow the teachings of the church, particularly in things that are considered moral or not.

In the Old Testament, the Pentateuch, or the Five Books of Moses, forbids bestiality.

Republic Act (RA) 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, prohibits the maltreatment, abuse or torture of any animal.

Anyone caught maltreating or abusing any animal may face jail time of two to three years or pay a fine of P250,000.

However, the law does not specify if engaging in sexual activities with an animal is illegal.

But RA 9775, or the Anti-Child Pornography Act, considers bestiality an “explicit sexual activity” and is illegal if done on a child.