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 Wisconsin, bestiality is considered a serious criminal offense. Under Wisconsin law, specifically section 944.17 of the Wisconsin Statutes, a person commits the crime of sexual gratification with an animal if they engage in any sexual activity with an animal, or if they involve an animal in a sexual act with a human. This includes any contact between a person's mouth, anus, or genitals and the animal's body parts, as well as the insertion of any part of a person's body or an object into the animal's body in a non-veterinary or non-husbandry context. The law also criminalizes the possession, sale, or purchase of animals for the purpose of sexual activity, as well as organizing or promoting such activities. Depending on the specific circumstances, the offense can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class I felony, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Additionally, the presence of a minor during the commission of such acts can lead to more severe charges. It's important to note that Wisconsin's laws on bestiality are designed to protect animals from abuse and to uphold community standards regarding the treatment of animals.