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 Georgia, bestiality is a criminal offense under the state's sodomy laws. According to Georgia law, a person commits the offense of bestiality when he or she performs or submits to any sexual act with an animal. This includes any contact between the person’s mouth, anus, or genitals and the animal's mouth, anus, or genitals. The law also covers other acts such as causing an animal to contact seminal fluid, inserting any part of the body or an object into an animal, and possessing or selling animals for the purpose of sexual contact. Bestiality is considered a felony in Georgia and is punishable by imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the presence of a minor during the commission of such acts can lead to more severe penalties. It is important for individuals to be aware that these actions are not only illegal but also considered animal abuse, and they carry serious legal consequences.