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 New Jersey, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Section 4:22-17 of the New Jersey Statutes. This law prohibits sexual conduct with animals and outlines various acts that constitute the offense, including but not limited to engaging in sexual contact with an animal, causing an animal to come into contact with seminal fluid, and inserting any part of the body or an object into an animal's body in a manner not accepted by animal husbandry or veterinary practices. The law also addresses the possession, sale, or purchase of animals for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity, as well as organizing or promoting such conduct. Violation of these laws can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and mandatory mental health counseling. The severity of the punishment can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. It is important for individuals to understand that such actions are illegal and are taken seriously by the legal system in New Jersey.