“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.