Bestiality

Have you been charged with Bestiality?

If you have been charged with Bestiality under Section 54A of the Crimes Act 1958 (“CA”), it’s essential to recognise the seriousness of the allegation, which carries not only a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison but also significant social stigma.

It’s crucial to evaluate whether the prosecution can establish their case against you. They must prove the specifics of the charge, particularly whether you engaged in penetrative sexual acts with an animal.

A charge of bestiality requires a person to commit an offence by intentionally sexually penetrating an animal or causes/allows an animal to sexually penetrate them.

What must Prosecution Must Prove:

The prosecution must demonstrate that:

1. You engaged in sexual penetration of an animal; or
2. You caused or permitted an animal to sexually penetrate you.

Penalties of bestiality:

This is a serious offence which carries with it a Level 6 imprisonment with a maximum penalty of 5 years.

Where the Case Will Be Heard:

Bestiality cases are typically heard in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.

Factors and defences to consider:

• Did you intentionally engage in sexual relations with an animal?
• Do you have any prior convictions of a similar nature?
• What were the surrounding circumstances of this offence?

Sex Offences Charges

• Offence to Perform Female Genital Mutilation
• Intention of Having Prohibited Female Genital Mutilation Performed
• Sexual Activity with the Corpse of Human Being
• Rape or Rape by Compelled Penetration
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Assault by Compelling Sexual Touching
• Assault with Intent to Commit a Sexual Offence
• Threat to Commit a Sexual Offence
• Procuring Sexual Act by Threat or Procuring Sexual Act by Fraud
• Administration of an Intoxicating Substance for a Sexual Purpose
• Failing to Comply with Sex Offender Reporting
• Abduction or Detention for a Sexual Purpose
• Furnishing False or Misleading Information
• Indecent Act with a Child Under the Age of 16
• Sexual Activity Directed at Another Person
• Sexual Penetration of a Child Under the Age of 12
• Sexual Penetration of a Child Aged 16 or 17 Under Care, Supervision, or Authority
• Sexual Assault of a Child Aged 16 or 17 Under Care, Supervision, or Authority
• Sexual Activity in the Presence of a Child Aged 16 or 17 Under Care, Supervision or Authority
• Causing a child aged 16 or 17 under care, supervision, or authority to be present during sexual activity
• Persistent Sexual Abuse of a Child Under the Age of 16
• Encouraging a Child Aged 16 or 17 Under Care, Supervision or Authority to Engage in, or Be Involved in, Sexual Activity
• Grooming for Sexual Conduct with a Child under the Age of 16
• Loitering Near Schools Etc by a Sexual Offender
• Failure by a Person in Authority to Protect a Child from a Sexual Offence

• Abduction or Detention of a Child Under the Age of 16 for a Sexual Purpose
• Causing or Allowing a Sexual Performance Involving a Child
• Inciting or Offering a Sexual Performance Involving a Child
• Facilitating a Sexual Offence Against a Child
• Sexual Penetration of a Child or Lineal Descendent
• Sexual Penetration of a Stepchild
• Sexual Penetration of a Parent, Lineal Ancestor or Stepparent
• Sexual Penetration of a Sibling or Half-Sibling
• Sexual Offences Against People with Impaired Mental Functioning (Repealed 2016)
• Child in the Production of Child Abuse Material
• Distributing Child Abuse Material
• Administering a Website Used to Deal With Child Abuse Material
• Accessing Child Abuse Material
• Assisting a Person to Avoid Apprehension
• Sexual Assault of a Person with Cognitive Impairment or Mental Illness
• Using Force, Threat etc. to Cause Another Person to Provide Commercial Sexual Services
• Causing Another Person to Provide Commercial Sexual Services in Circumstances Involving Sexual Servitude
• Aggravated Sexual Servitude
• Deceptive Recruiting for Commercial Sexual Services
• Bestiality
• Child Stealing
• Bigamy
• Abortion Performed by Unqualified Person
• Concealing the Birth of a Child

What happens next?

If charged with Bestiality, it is imperative to consult an experienced criminal lawyer at MK Law as soon as possible. Early legal guidance is crucial to prepare your case and strategize effectively. Your lawyer will help you gather evidence, assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, and identify potential defences.

Avoid delaying your preparations, as proactive steps are essential for achieving the best possible outcome. Schedule a meeting with a knowledgeable lawyer today to discuss your situation in detail. Call 1800 130 120 for expert confidential advice.