Legal Definitions - bestiality

Bestiality refers to any sexual act performed between a human being and an animal. In many legal jurisdictions, the definition of bestiality extends beyond the direct physical act to include a range of related behaviors. This can encompass aiding or encouraging another person to engage in sexual acts with an animal, knowingly allowing such acts to take place on property one controls, or creating and distributing photographs or films of these acts for the purpose of sexual gratification.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of bestiality:

• Example 1: A person is found by authorities engaging in a sexual act with a horse in a secluded stable. The individual is arrested and charged under state law.

  Explanation: This scenario directly illustrates the core definition of bestiality, which involves a human performing a sexual act with an animal.

• Example 2: An individual owns a remote cabin and advertises it online as a private location where people can bring their animals to engage in sexual acts, charging a fee for access. While the owner does not participate directly, they are aware of and profit from the activities occurring on their property.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates how bestiality laws can extend to cover situations where a person permits or facilitates sexual acts with animals on premises they control, even if they do not personally engage in the act.

• Example 3: A person films themselves performing sexual acts with their cat and then uploads these videos to a hidden online forum, intending for other members of the forum to view them for sexual arousal.

  Explanation: This illustrates the aspect of bestiality laws that criminalize the creation, photography, or filming of sexual acts with animals for the purpose of sexual gratification, whether for the individual creating the content or for others.