Is bestiality illegal?

The legality of bestiality differs between states. As of 2015, 34 states have statutes prohibiting sexual contact between a human and an animal. In 17 of these states, bestiality is a misdemeanor. In remaining states, bestiality is a felony, reports Michigan State University College of Law.

Several states have no specific laws against bestiality, including New Jersey, New Mexico, Colorado and New Hampshire, according to Michigan State University College of Law. However, even if a state does not specifically ban bestiality, offenders could be charged with animal cruelty or a sex crime. Bestiality is not regulated at the federal level, but military personnel can be court-martialed for engaging in sexual activity with an animal, notes the Cornell Legal Information Institute.