Engaging in bestiality poses health risks, including the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans). These can include bacterial infections, viral infections, and parasitic infections.

Laws regarding bestiality vary significantly by country and jurisdiction. In many places, it is illegal and considered a form of animal cruelty, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. The legal approach to bestiality is often based on the principle of protecting animals from harm and ensuring public decency.

From a psychological perspective, bestiality is often viewed as a paraphilia, a condition characterized by atypical sexual interests. However, not all individuals who engage in bestiality are motivated by a psychological attraction to animals; some may do so under the influence of substances, due to mental health issues, or in the context of other complex factors.

Bestiality involves sexual acts with animals, which can include a range of activities from touching or fondling to intercourse. The term "beastiality" itself is often used interchangeably with "zoophilia," though some make a distinction between the two, with zoophilia referring to a psychological attraction to animals and bestiality referring specifically to the act.