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 Maryland, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Maryland Criminal Law Code § 14-601. The law prohibits a person from engaging in unnatural or perverted sexual practices with an animal. Specifically, it is illegal to engage in sexual contact with an animal, which includes any act involving contact between a person's mouth, anus, or genitals and those of an animal, as well as other acts listed in the provided description. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, a person may be subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both. Additionally, the law addresses the possession of animals for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, as well as organizing or participating in such activities. Maryland's approach to bestiality reflects a strong stance against the abuse of animals and the protection of public morals.