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 Iowa, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Iowa Code section 717C.1, which defines the crime of 'animal abuse' and includes sexual abuse of animals. A person commits animal abuse, which encompasses bestiality, if they knowingly engage in a sex act with an animal, or if they use, aid, or abet another person to engage in a sex act with an animal. Additionally, the law prohibits the sale, purchase, or possession of animals with the intent for them to be used in a sex act. The penalties for bestiality in Iowa can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it involves repeat offenses or other aggravating factors. The presence of a minor during the commission of such acts can also lead to more severe charges. It's important for individuals to consult with an attorney for specific legal advice if they are facing allegations related to bestiality in Iowa.