Help Ohio Strengthen Protections for Animals by Supporting Senate Bill 393
Ohio has an opportunity to take a critical step forward in protecting animals and communities by strengthening penalties for one of the most disturbing forms of abuse: bestiality.
Senate Bill 393 would increase the penalty for bestiality from a misdemeanor to a felony, recognizing the severity of these acts and ensuring stronger accountability for offenders.
Why This Matters
Bestiality is defined as any sexual act between a human and an animal. These acts are not only cruel. They are deeply exploitative and often result in severe injury or death for the animal involved.
But the impact doesn’t stop there.
Research and case data consistently show that animal abuse is closely linked to other forms of violence, including domestic violence and child abuse. At the 5th National Animal Cruelty Prosecution Conference hosted by the American Prosecutor’s Association, veterinary forensic expert Dr. Melinda Merck shared a troubling statistic:
In 25% of domestic violence situations, bestiality is also present.
This connection is not coincidental. Abuse toward animals is widely recognized as a warning sign and an early indicator of escalating violent behavior. Without intervention, individuals who commit these acts may go on to harm other animals and people.
What S.B. 393 Does
S.B. 393 is a comprehensive bill that strengthens Ohio’s response to sexually oriented offenses. Key provisions include:
Upgrading bestiality from a misdemeanor to a felony, reflecting the seriousness of the crime
Expanding the law to include the creation or possession of materials depicting sexual conduct with animals
Strengthening accountability measures for offenders
This legislation acknowledges what advocates, law enforcement, and prosecutors already know: these are not minor offenses, they are acts of violence that demand meaningful consequences.
Protecting Animals = Protecting People
At Ohio Animal Advocates, we know that protecting animals is deeply connected to protecting communities. When we take animal cruelty seriously:
We intervene earlier in cycles of violence
We support survivors of domestic violence (including those with pets)
We hold offenders accountable in ways that can prevent future harm
Stronger laws like S.B. 393 are not just about punishment, they are about prevention.
Take Action Now
Your voice matters in advancing protections for animals across Ohio. Here’s how you can help:
1. Contact your Ohio Representatives and urge them to Increase the Penalties for Bestiality.
2. Share this action alert with your network to raise awareness.
3. Sign up for the Ohio Animal Advocates newsletter to receive updates, resources, and action alerts on issues affecting animals across the state.
