Zoophilia
Zoophilia is sexual attraction to nonhuman animals. Clinical sources classify it as a paraphilia; attraction is distinct from acting on it.
Paraphilia: A persistent, intense sexual interest outside typical adult, consensual sexual interests. Clinical classification places zoophilia among paraphilias, without making attraction and behavior identical.
Animal Cruelty: The infliction of unjustified pain, suffering, or neglect on an animal. Sexual acts involving animals can cause injury, distress, and cruelty concerns.
Bestiality: Sexual activity between a human and a nonhuman animal. It names behavior, whereas zoophilia names attraction; the terms are not interchangeable.
Sexology: The interdisciplinary study of human sexuality, including its development, behavior, and health. Research methods and terminology shape how zoophilic attraction is described and studied.
Paraphilic Disorder: A clinically significant paraphilia involving distress, impairment, or harm or risk of harm to others. Clinical diagnosis requires more than the presence of an atypical sexual interest.
Animal Law: The body of law governing human treatment, ownership, and protection of animals. Legal treatment of sexual acts with animals varies by jurisdiction and often draws on animal-protection statutes.
Objectophilia: Sexual or romantic attraction directed toward inanimate objects. It is another atypical attraction, but its object is not a living animal.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: The American Psychiatric Association’s classification and diagnostic guide for mental disorders. Its criteria distinguish a paraphilic interest from a diagnosable disorder.
Sexual Orientation: A person’s enduring pattern of romantic, emotional, or sexual attraction. Zoophilia is classified differently from orientations describing attraction to consenting people.
Sexual Abuse: Sexual conduct imposed without valid consent or through coercion or exploitation. Animals cannot provide informed consent, making consent-based ethical frameworks relevant.