Editing Animal sexual behaviour (section)

===Seasonal nature of animal sexuality===
Many animal species have specific mating (or breeding) seasons. These are often associated with changes to herd or group structure, and behavioural changes, including territorialism amongst individuals. These may be annual (eg wolves), biannual (eg dogs) or more frequently (eg horses). During these periods, females of most species are more mentally and physically [[receptive]] to sexual advances, a period often described as being "in season" or "in [[heat]]", but outside them animals still engage in sexual behaviours,<ref>For example, masturbation, trial mounting, and other behaviours are regularly seen in male animals out of season</ref> and such acts as do occur are not necessarily harmful.<ref name="danish">2006 Danish Animal Ethics Council report: "The mucous membrane in the female animal’s vagina and the animal’s behaviour is under influence of its rut cycle. That means that the animal is physically and mentally more ready for sexual activities at some times than at others. But this does not mean that sexual activity will lead to injuries, fear or suffering, if it happens outside the rut period."

(Danish: ''"Slimhinden i hundyrets vagina og dyrets adfærd er under indflydelse af dets brunstcyklus. Det betyder, at dyret er fysisk og mentalt mere parat til seksuelle aktiviteter på nogle tidspunkter end på andre. Men dette er ikke ensbetydende med, at den seksuelle aktivitet vil være forbundet med skader, angst og lidelse, hvis den foregår udenfor brunstperioden."'') [http://www.jm.dk/image.asp?page=image&objno=76595 Report November 2006 (PDF)]</ref>