Frank Sobotka demonstrates very little affection and interest toward his wayward oldest son Ziggy, till it's as well late for the two of them. Roland Orzabal (the principal songwriter) has confirmed that "Pale Shelter" is about the ache and insecurity that stems from not acquiring sufficient (or any) heat and passion from one's dad and mom. It's rather typical.
When it is performed for drama, hope the character to have crossed the Moral Event Horizon twicefold, given that this is an unholy mix of Rape Is a Special Kind of Evil and Bad People Abuse Animals. Simple. Imply that they have a sexual curiosity in animals. Subverted in Bachelor Party, in which the groom-to-be's buddies organize for a hooker to have intercourse with a mule as a bash flooring clearly show.