Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Crimes against morality and decency, sexual crimes, and crimes against public welfare - Sexual crimes

143: Bestiality

You could also call this:

“It's against the law to have sexual contact with animals.”

You are not allowed to have sexual contact with animals. If you do this, it’s called bestiality. This is against the law in New Zealand. If you commit bestiality, you could go to prison for up to 7 years. The law says that bestiality happens as soon as there is any penetration. This means that even a small amount of sexual contact with an animal is enough to be charged with this crime.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM329260.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
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142A: Compelling indecent act with animal, or

“Making someone do something rude with an animal is against the law and can get you in big trouble.”

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144: Indecency with animal, or

“Doing inappropriate things with animals is against the law and can lead to jail time.”

Part 7 Crimes against morality and decency, sexual crimes, and crimes against public welfare
Sexual crimes

143Bestiality

  1. Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years who commits bestiality.

  2. This offence is complete upon penetration.

Compare
  • 1908 No 32 s 153
  • 1941 No 10 Schedule