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 Rhode Island, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-10-1. The law explicitly prohibits any person from performing or participating in any sexual conduct with an animal. This includes, but is not limited to, engaging in sexual contact with an animal, involving any part of the body or an object in sexual acts with an animal, and causing an animal to come into contact with human seminal fluid. The law also criminalizes the possession, sale, transfer, or purchase of animals with the intent of using them for sexual purposes, as well as organizing or promoting such activities. Violation of these laws can result in criminal charges, which may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and the presence of aggravating factors. The state takes these offenses seriously, and those convicted may face significant legal consequences, including potential imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record.