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 Utah, bestiality is considered a criminal offense under Utah Code § 76-9-301.5. The law explicitly prohibits individuals from engaging in any sexual activity with an animal, which includes, but is not limited to, the acts of sexual contact described in the provided list. This includes direct physical acts, as well as indirect actions such as organizing, promoting, or observing such conduct. The law also addresses the possession, sale, or transfer of animals for the purpose of sexual activity, and prohibits engaging in sexual activity with animals in the presence of a minor. Violation of these laws can result in charges that may range from class B misdemeanor to class A misdemeanor, depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. The severity of the punishment can be influenced by factors such as the presence of a minor, the defendant's criminal history, and the nature of the act itself. An attorney can provide more detailed information on the potential legal consequences of a bestiality charge in Utah.