Bestiality

It is a charge under section 54A of the Crimes Act 1958. The prosecution must prove that you intentionally sexually penetrated an animal, or that you intentionally caused or allowed an animal to sexually penetrate you. There is an exception for conduct during a procedure carried out in good faith for veterinary, agricultural or scientific research purposes.

Yes. Bestiality is a crime in Victoria under section 54A of the Crimes Act 1958, and the maximum penalty is 5 years in prison. The court can also fine you up to 600 penalty units ($125,460), with or without a prison term.

Victoria’s bestiality offence does not use that phrase. Section 54A of the Crimes Act 1958 uses “sexual penetration”, a term the Act defines. You sexually penetrate an animal, or are sexually penetrated by one, if the conduct would count as sexual penetration were the animal a person. Penetration to any extent is enough. Where the definition refers to the vagina or anus, for an animal that includes any similar part of its body.

It can be either. Bestiality is an indictable offence, but section 29 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 lets the Magistrates’ Court decide it if you consent and the court considers that appropriate. If either condition is missing, you are committed for trial in the County Court or the Supreme Court. A magistrate can impose at most 2 years in prison and a fine of 500 penalty units ($104,550) for the charge.

If you committed the offence as an adult, yes. Bestiality is a Class 2 offence under the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004. Being sentenced for one committed as an adult makes you a registrable offender with reporting obligations. If you have only ever been found guilty of a single Class 2 offence, the reporting period is 8 years. For an offence committed as a child, registration is not automatic.