HB421 Summary

• Establishes bestiality as a new crime in Alabama, which did not have a specific statute previously.

• Defines "sexual conduct" as touching or fondling of an animal's sex organs or anus, or transfer of semen, for sexual gratification or arousal.

• Defines "sexual contact" as any contact between a person's mouth, sex organ, or anus and an animal's sex organ or anus, or any penetration for sexual gratification or arousal.

• Creates criminal liability for persons who engage in or submit to sexual conduct with animals, cause or aid others in such conduct, permit it on their premises, or organize, promote, or participate in commercial or recreational acts involving animals.

• Classifies bestiality as a Class A misdemeanor with an effective date of the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.