Beastiality, which is actually a misspelling of bestiality, refers to any and all sexual relations between a human and an animal. The term is derived from the term bestial, which refers to that which is beast-like and displays inhuman instincts and desires.
Beastiality and Morality
In the United States, most states have laws against the sexual assault of animals. Although limited data about beastiality exists, dogs and horses are believed to be the most common victims. Due to the inability of animals to communicate and the inherent control humans typically have over them, beastiality is morally as well as legally unacceptable.
“Bestiality is wrong, because animals have no way of providing consent," says Sloan, a Couples and Sex Therapist at Austin Concierge Therapy
Beastiality is not uncommon in pornography. Pornography that is made using actual animals is, in many places, illegal to make, and in general, unethical to consume as those animals are unable to consent to their involvement. This constitutes sexual assault.
Zoophilia
Beastiality is related to zoophilia, which is defined as a sexual interest in non-human species. There is some evidence that this preference may be a sexual orientation, although likely a rare one. Zoophiles claim to feel genuine care and affection for the animals they experience attraction towards.
Alternatives to Beastiality
For those who are are turned on by the idea of beastiality, there are ways to satisfy that desire without involving actual animals.
- Erotica: Beastiality is the focus of an entire genre of erotica with many options to explore.
- Costume play: Everything from simple accessories like collars and leashes to full-on animal costumes let human partners explore their animal urges.
- Sex toys: Multiple fantasy sex toy manufacturers offer toys that resemble the sex organs (and other parts) of a whole array of creatures from horses, to otherworldly beings.
More About Beastiality
In the United States, the meat industry actually violates anti-beastiality laws in several states by artificially inseminating animals.
Research conducted by Alfred Kinsey in the 1940s found that 8% of males and 5% of females had at least one sexual interaction with animals.
