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 Indiana, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Indiana Code 35-46-3-7. A person commits the crime of bestiality if they knowingly engage in any sexual conduct with an animal, which includes but is not limited to the acts described in the provided topic description. This includes direct sexual contact, the involvement of a third party, or the presence of a minor during the act. The law also covers the possession, sale, transfer, or purchase of animals with the intent for them to be used in sexual conduct. Depending on the specific circumstances, the offense can be charged as a Level 6 felony, which may result in serious penalties including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, if the offense is committed in the presence of a minor under 18 years of age, the crime may be elevated to a Level 5 felony. It's important for individuals to understand that these laws are in place to protect animals from abuse and to uphold community standards of decency.