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 Alabama, bestiality is a criminal offense under Section 13A-6-220 of the Alabama Criminal Code. The law defines the crime of bestiality as engaging in or submitting to any sexual contact with an animal, which includes any of the acts described in the topic, such as contact between a person's mouth, anus, or genitals and those of an animal, or inserting any part of the body or an object into an animal's anus or genitals. The law also covers possessing or obtaining an animal for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact, as well as organizing or promoting such conduct. In Alabama, bestiality is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. If the offense involves a child under the age of 18, the crime may be subject to more severe penalties. It's important for individuals to understand that these laws are in place to protect animals from abuse and to maintain public morality, and violations can lead to significant legal consequences.