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 Virginia, bestiality is a criminal offense under Virginia Code § 18.2-361, which prohibits crimes against nature. Specifically, the law states that any person who carnally knows in any manner any brute animal, or submits to such carnality, is guilty of a Class 6 felony. This includes any sexual contact between a person and an animal, as described in the various points listed. The statute covers a range of acts, including engaging in sexual acts with animals, causing animals to come into contact with human genitalia, and the possession or sale of animals for the purpose of sexual contact. The law also addresses the involvement of minors and the presence of a child under the age of 18 during such acts. As a Class 6 felony, the offense is punishable by one to five years in prison, or, in the discretion of the court or jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. It's important to note that the severity of the punishment can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the discretion of the court.