Bestiality—also known as zoophilia or sexual abuse of animals—is the criminal offense of a person making sexual contact with a non-human animal. Bestiality laws vary from state to state, but a person generally commits the crime of bestiality if the person knowingly:

• engages in an act involving contact between the person’s mouth, anus, or genitals and the anus or genitals of an animal;
• engages in an act involving contact between the person’s mouth, anus, or genitals and the mouth of the animal;
• fondles or touches the anus or genitals of an animal in a manner that is not a generally accepted and otherwise lawful animal husbandry or veterinary practice, including touching through clothing;
• causes an animal to contact the seminal fluid of the person;
• inserts any part of a person’s body or any object into the anus or genitals of an animal in a manner that is not a generally accepted and otherwise lawful animal husbandry or veterinary practice;
• possesses, sells, transfers, purchases, or otherwise obtains an animal with the intent to be used for such sexual contact;
• organizes, promotes, conducts, or participates as an observer of such sexual contact;
• causes a person to engage or aids a person in engaging in such sexual contact;
• permits such sexual conduct to occur on property under the person’s ownership or control;
• engages in such sexual contact in the presence of a child under the age of 18; or
• advertises, offers, or accepts the offer of an animal with the intent that the animal be used for such sexual contact.

The criminal offense of bestiality may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony, depending on the state and the circumstances. Bestiality laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Alaska, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Alaska Statutes Section 11.61.140. A person commits the crime of bestiality if they knowingly engage in any sexual contact with an animal, which includes but is not limited to the acts described in the provided topic description. The law specifically criminalizes sexual acts between humans and animals, as well as the facilitation or promotion of such acts. Depending on the circumstances, bestiality can be prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor or a more serious felony. This reflects the state's stance on protecting animals from abuse and ensuring that acts of cruelty, including sexual abuse, are penalized. It is important for individuals in Alaska to be aware that such conduct is illegal and subject to legal consequences. If someone is facing charges related to bestiality, they should consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in Alaska's criminal law to understand the specific implications and potential defenses.