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 Connecticut, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Section 53-247 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The law explicitly prohibits sexual contact between a person and an animal. A person is guilty of this offense if they engage in any sexual contact with an animal or if they knowingly own, possess, sell, transfer, or purchase an animal with the intent of using it for sexual contact. The statute also criminalizes causing, aiding, or permitting another person to engage in sexual contact with an animal. Depending on the circumstances, the offense can be prosecuted as a class A misdemeanor or a class D felony, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both. Additionally, the law provides for the possibility of psychological evaluation or treatment for the offender. It is important for individuals to be aware that such acts are illegal and carry serious legal consequences in Connecticut.