Short answer – no. Under no circumstances in any of the territories, states, or islands is the act of bestiality (sexual relations with an animal) legal.
Each region has a varying set of punishments based on the act under which the offence is set out, which we’ll get to now.
| State | Legality | Act | Punishment (max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Illegal | Crimes Act 1958 | 5 years prison |
| New South Wales | Illegal | Crimes Act 1900 | 14 years prison |
| Queensland | Illegal | Criminal Code 1899 | 7 year prison |
| Western Australia | Illegal | Criminal Code Act 1913 | 7 year prison |
| South Australia | Illegal | Criminal Law Act 1935 | 10 years prison |
| Tasmania | Illegal | Criminal Code Act 1924 | 21 years prison |
| Northern Territory | Illegal | Criminal Code Act 1983 | 3 years prison |
Here’s a deeper explanation as to where you can find the relevant legislation and the penalties if you’re caught:
Victoria
Act: Crimes Act 1958 (link)
Section: 54a
(1) A person (A) commits an offence if A intentionally—
(a) sexually penetrates an animal; or
(b) causes or allows an animal to sexually penetrate A.
Punishment: Maximum 5 years imprisonment.
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New South Wales
Act: Crimes Act 1900 (link)
Section: 79
Any person who commits an act of bestiality with any animal shall be liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.
Punishment: Maximum 14 years imprisonment.
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Queensland
Act: Criminal Code 1899 (link)
Section: 211
Any person who has carnal knowledge with or of an animal is guilty of a crime and is liable to imprisonment for 7 years.
Punishment: Maximum 7 years imprisonment.
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Western Australia
Act: Criminal Code Act 1913 (link)
Section: 181
Any person who has carnal knowledge of an animal is guilty of a crime and is liable to imprisonment for 7 years.
Punishment: Maximum 7 years imprisonment.
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South Australia
Act: Criminal Law Act 1935 (link)
Section: 69
A person who commits bestiality is guilty of an offence.
Punishment: Maximum 10 years imprisonment.
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Northern Territory
Act: Criminal Code Act 1983 (link)
Section: 138
Any person who inserts, to any extent, the person’s penis into the genital passage or anus of an animal or permits an animal to insert its penis into the person’s vagina or anus is guilty of an offence and is liable to imprisonment for 3 years.
Punishment: Maximum 3 years imprisonment.
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Tasmania
Act: Criminal Code Act 1924 (link)
Section: 122(b)
Unnatural crimes – Any person who has sexual intercourse with an animal is guilty of a crime.
Punishment: Maximum 21 years imprisonment.
Need a lawyer in Hobart? Find one here.
There you have it – clear laws from each Australian state and territory assigning the fact that any sexual relations with an animal is a criminal offence carrying a punishment of up to 21 years in some areas.
Notes: Carnal knowledge is just a fancy way of saying sexual intercourse. It’s known as a legal euphemism. Similar to one’s genitals being referred to as their person when we discussed having sex in public and it’s legality in Australia.