566.111. Sex with an animal, penalties.
Having sexual contact with an animal is illegal
In Missouri, it’s a crime to do anything sexual with an animal. People who break this law can face jail time and other serious consequences.
1. A person breaks the law if they have any kind of sexual contact with an animal.
2. The offense is a class A misdemeanor for a first-time violation. If the person has done this before—either in Missouri or another state—it becomes a class E felony, which is more serious.
3. In addition to jail or probation, the court can also:
- (1) Ban the person from owning or living with animals while on probation;
- (2) Take away any animals the person has;
- (3) Require the person to get a psychological evaluation and counseling, and pay for it themselves.
4. This law does not apply to normal and legal farm work, animal care, or veterinary practices.
5. Definitions:
- (1) “Animal” means any living or dead creature that is not a human.
- (2) “Sexual conduct with an animal” means touching the animal with your private parts or touching the animal’s private parts to satisfy sexual desire.
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