Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends prohibits sexual contact with an animal, commonly referred to as bestiality.

Highlights:

• Prohibits engaging in, or producing media of, sexual contact with an animal (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that it is also illegal to permit someone else to have sexual contact with an animal on any premises under your charge or control (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes up to $2,000 in fines and 5 years in prison for a first offense and up to $25,000 in fines and 10 years in prison for any second or subsequent offense (Sec. 1).

• Requires an offender to relinquish custody of all animals and undergo psychological treatment (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an offender from possessing any animal for however long the court deems necessary, but not less than 5 years (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an offender from residing in any home or working for any organization, whether paid or through volunteer work, when an animal is present, which must be enforced for the same length of time as mentioned above (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text