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

144: Indecency with animal

You could also call this:

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

If you do something indecent with an animal, you can be sent to prison. The longest time you could be in prison for this is 3 years. This law applies to everyone. Indecency means doing something that is not appropriate or proper, especially in a sexual way. The law doesn’t say exactly what counts as an indecent act with an animal, but it’s something that is not okay to do.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM329261.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
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143: Bestiality, or

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

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144A: Sexual conduct with children and young people outside New Zealand, or

“New Zealand citizens or residents can be punished for sexual acts with young people in other countries.”

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

144Indecency with animal

  1. Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years who commits any act of indecency with an animal.