Bestiality / Beastiality Legality by State in United States
Bestiality laws in the United States vary significantly by state. In some states, bestiality is classified as a felony, while in others, it is a misdemeanor, or it may fall under specific legal provisions.
Overview of Bestiality Laws by State
Bestiality, or beastiality, legality in the United States differs from state to state. The majority of states classify it as a misdemeanor or felony, with a few notable exceptions.
States Where Bestiality is a Felony
In many states, bestiality is considered a felony. These states include:
Arizona
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
States Where Bestiality is a Misdemeanor
Several states classify bestiality as a misdemeanor. These states include:
Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Florida
Hawaii
Iowa
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Vermont
Wisconsin
Wyoming
States with Mixed Bestiality Laws
Some states have mixed laws, where bestiality could be classified as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on specific circumstances. These states include:
Connecticut
Kansas
Missouri
Nevada
Oklahoma
West Virginia Bestiality Laws
In West Virginia, bestiality is legal, meaning there are no criminal laws prohibiting such acts.