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 Oklahoma, bestiality is a criminal offense under state law. According to Oklahoma statutes, specifically 21 O.S. § 886, individuals who engage in any sexual contact with an animal can be charged with a felony. The law defines sexual contact with an animal to include any act involving the genitals or anus of a person with the genitals, anus, or mouth of an animal, as well as other acts listed in the provided description. The statute also covers the possession, sale, or purchase of animals for the purpose of sexual contact, as well as organizing or promoting such activities. If convicted, the person faces penalties that may include imprisonment, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The severity of the punishment can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. It is important for individuals in Oklahoma to understand that bestiality is taken seriously by the legal system and is subject to strict penalties under the law.