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 Oregon, bestiality is considered a serious criminal offense. Under Oregon law, specifically ORS 167.333, a person commits the crime of sexual assault of an animal if they engage in any of the activities listed, such as sexual contact involving the person's mouth, anus, or genitals with an animal, or vice versa, and other non-accepted animal husbandry or veterinary practices with a sexual intent. The law also covers the possession, sale, or transfer of animals for the purpose of sexual contact, as well as organizing or observing such conduct. Additionally, involving a minor in these activities or permitting such conduct on one's property is also criminalized. Depending on the specific circumstances, the offense can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. It's important for individuals to understand that these actions are not only socially unacceptable but also illegal and carry severe legal consequences.