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 Massachusetts, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Section 34 of Chapter 272 of the General Laws. The law explicitly prohibits sexual contact between a person and an animal. A person is in violation of this law if they engage in any act that involves contact between their mouth, anus, or genitals and those of an animal, or if they engage in other sexual acts with an animal as described in the provided topic description. The law also covers the possession, sale, or purchase of animals for the purpose of sexual contact, as well as organizing or promoting such activities. Violation of these laws can result in criminal charges, which may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the case. The presence of a minor during the commission of such acts can lead to more severe penalties. It is important for individuals in Massachusetts to understand that these actions are illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.