Detection and Persistence of Human Semen and DNA on Animal Fur: Implications for Forensic Investigation of Animal Sexual Abuse

Animal sexual abuse (ASA) involves the sexual molestation of animals by humans. Forensic DNA analysis of human biological fluids on animal fur may provide investigative leads to a potential suspect. This study was the first to longitudinally assess the recovery of human semen and DNA from three fur models: freshly dissected baboon fur, preserved antelope hides and faux fur. Daily swabbing consistently demonstrated that DNA profiles could be generated from semen over the 14-day study period. Samples in baboon fur typically had greater degradation and yielded lower DNA concentrations compared to other fur models investigated. Although the baboon model best represented a deceased animal, experiments beyond 14 days were limited by decomposition. This study highlights the challenge of selecting a suitable fur model and demonstrates that model choice may influence DNA retention over time. Future research should consider models representing living animals and investigate dynamic variables (e.g., movement, body heat) on semen and DNA retention on animal fur. Overall, this study provides proof of concept and constitutes the first baseline data pertaining to evidence retention in the context of ASA. These findings support the application of forensic molecular techniques in ASA investigations.