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 Nebraska, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under the state's penal code. Specifically, Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1019 prohibits any person from knowingly engaging in sexual conduct with an animal or involving an animal in a sexual act with a person. This includes any contact between a person's mouth, anus, or genitals and the animal's genitals or anus; causing an animal to come into contact with human seminal fluid; inserting any part of the body or an object into an animal's anus or genitals; and other acts as described in the topic. Violation of this law is classified as a Class I misdemeanor. Additionally, the statute also criminalizes the possession, sale, or purchase of animals for the purpose of sexual contact, as well as organizing or promoting such activities. If the offense involves a minor or is committed in the presence of a minor, this may result in more severe charges. An attorney can provide more detailed information on the potential legal consequences and the nuances of the law as it applies to specific circumstances.