Zoomorphism

Zoomorphism, from Greek ζωον zōon, meaning animal, and μορφη, morphē, meaning shape or form, refers to the representation of animal forms in ornaments, or to the representation of gods in the form, or with attributes, of non-human animals, and also to the transformation of humans into beasts.

Portraying people as animals in order to dehumanize them is frequently used in propaganda purposes.

See also: Anthropomorphism.