Bestiality Bill Advances In NJ Senate

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — It may soon be illegal to have sex with animals in New Jersey.

A Senate committee on Thursday advanced a bill that would outlaw bestiality.

The bill would make bestiality a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The penalties would be upgraded if the animal dies.

The measure arose after animal cruelty charges were dismissed against a former Moorestown police officer who was accused of engaging in a sex act with five cows in 2006.

Thirty-seven states explicitly ban bestiality.

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