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 Washington State, bestiality is considered a serious criminal offense. Under RCW 16.52.205, a person is guilty of bestiality if they knowingly engage in any sexual conduct or sexual contact with an animal, as well as if they knowingly cause, aid, or abet another person to engage in sexual contact with an animal. This includes any contact between the person’s mouth, anus, or genitals and the animal’s mouth, anus, or genitals; fondling or touching the animal in a sexual manner; causing an animal to come into contact with seminal fluid; inserting any part of the body or an object into the animal's body in a non-veterinary or non-husbandry practice; and other related acts. The law also criminalizes the possession, sale, transfer, or purchase of animals for the purpose of sexual contact, as well as organizing or promoting such activities. Bestiality is a Class C felony in Washington, which can result in significant legal penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, engaging in such conduct in the presence of a minor or advertising animals for the purpose of sexual contact is also prohibited. The state takes these offenses seriously, and they are prosecuted under the state's criminal statutes.