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 Nevada, bestiality is illegal and considered a crime under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 201.455. The law explicitly prohibits sexual conduct between a person and an animal. This includes any person who knowingly engages in sexual activity with an animal, causes another person to engage in such activity, or permits such activity on their property. The statute also covers the possession, sale, transfer, or purchase of animals with the intent for them to be used for sexual purposes. Violation of these laws can result in severe penalties, including charges that may range from a gross misdemeanor to a category D felony, depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. Additionally, the law in Nevada prohibits the involvement of minors in such activities, and doing so can lead to enhanced penalties. An attorney can provide more detailed information on the potential legal consequences and the nuances of the law regarding bestiality in Nevada.