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 Missouri, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under animal abuse laws. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 578.012 defines 'animal abuse' which includes having sexual contact with an animal. A person commits the offense of animal abuse if he or she intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not allowed by or expressly exempt from the provisions of the statutes governing animal welfare, or if the person purposely or intentionally causes injury or suffering to an animal. While the statute does not explicitly mention sexual acts with animals, such acts could be prosecuted under this section as causing injury or suffering. The offense is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor, but certain aggravating circumstances can elevate the charge to a felony. For instance, if the abuse is deemed 'aggravated' or if the person has prior animal abuse convictions, the penalties can be more severe. It's important to note that the specifics of the law and the penalties for bestiality can vary depending on the details of the offense and the discretion of the court.