One of the typical reasons for being accused of witchcraft was spurning the sexual advances of a powerful member of the community. Likewise, being seduced and subsequently being caught in the act by the said member's spouse could also earn a witch label. It was an expedient technique for covering up the indiscretion.

Kramer and Sprenger point out that a person could be perceived of being turned into an animal to the point that they even make animal sounds, despite the obvious fallacy of the transformation.