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 Illinois, bestiality is a criminal offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. According to 720 ILCS 5/12-35, a person commits the offense of sexual conduct or sexual contact with an animal if they knowingly engage in any sexual act with an animal, or if they allow a sexual act with an animal to be committed on any premises under their control or ownership. This includes, but is not limited to, any contact between a person's mouth, anus, or genitals and the anus or genitals of an animal, as well as the insertion of any part of a person's body or an object into the anus or genitals of an animal. The law also prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or purchase of an animal with the intent for it to be used for sexual purposes. In Illinois, bestiality is considered a Class 4 felony, which can result in severe penalties including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the presence of a minor during the commission of such acts can lead to further legal consequences.