BERLIN (AP) — Germany's highest court has thrown out a challenge to a law that bans sexual activities with animals from two people who claimed that it violated their right to "sexual self-determination."

The plaintiffs, identified only as Mrs. S. and Mr. F. in line with German privacy rules, had challenged a passage in the country's animal protection law that bans using an animal for sexual activities "and thus forcing it into unnatural behavior."

Such offenses, which count as misdemeanors, can be punished with a fine of up to 25,000 euros ($27,850).

The Federal Constitutional Court said Thursday that the two plaintiffs "feel sexually attracted to animals." It said that it rejected their suit because protecting animals from sexual assaults is "a legitimate aim" and the law isn't disproportionate.