Legislation/Policy Article from All-Creatures.org



New Mexico Becomes 49th State to Ban Sex with Animals

From National Link Coalition
April 2023

Numerous studies have linked animal sexual abuse and the prevalence of online animal pornography with child sexual abuse and child pornography.

ban bestiality

After a vigorous campaign spearheaded by Animal Protection Voters of New Mexico, the State Legislature unanimously passed SB 215, creating two new felony crimes of bestiality and aggravated bestiality. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill into law on March 30, making New Mexico the 49th state to enact laws banning sex with animals. It takes effect June 16.

The law makes it a 4th-degree felony to commit bestiality; coerce or solicit someone else to commit bestiality; or sell, buy, offer or possess an animal for bestiality. It upgrades the violation to a 3rd-degree felony if done in the presence of a child or involves a child as a participant. Those convicted of these crimes won’t be able to live or work around animals for a period of time and may be ordered to undergo mental health treatment or pay for the cost of caring for animals harmed by their crime.

West Virginia remains the only state where sex with animals is still legal; that state legislature has adjourned for this session, meaning possible reform is at least another year away. Numerous studies have Linked animal sexual abuse and the prevalence of online animal pornography with child sexual abuse and child pornography.

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