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 Maine, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Title 17, Section 1031 of the Maine Revised Statutes. The law explicitly prohibits a person from engaging in sexual conduct or sexual contact with an animal. This includes any act that involves contact between a person's mouth, anus, or genitals and any part of an animal's body, as well as the insertion of any part of a person's body or an object into an animal's body in a manner that is not accepted as a standard veterinary or animal husbandry practice. The law also criminalizes causing an animal to come into contact with human seminal fluid, and the possession, sale, transfer, or purchase of an animal with the intent for it to be used for sexual contact. Violations of these laws can result in criminal charges, which may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and other factors. It is important for individuals in Maine to understand that such acts are illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. Anyone facing charges related to bestiality should consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to their situation.