HB 1085 Summary

• Establishes bestiality as a separate crime under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 711, defining it as knowingly subjecting an animal to sexual contact or related conduct.

• Classifies bestiality as a Class C felony, or a Class B felony if the offense involves a minor or occurs in the presence of a minor.

• Exempts from prosecution veterinary medicine, artificial insemination for procreation, animal husbandry, conformation judging, and customary care of animals.

• Upon conviction, requires defendants to surrender animals, reimburse care costs, attend treatment programs, pay restitution to animal owners, and be prohibited from owning animals or working with animals for at least five years.

• Allows prosecution under this section in addition to other applicable laws and makes violations subject to search, impound, and forfeiture provisions for animal cruelty offenses.