Bill > S274

This bill repeals the existing "crime against nature" law (G.S. 14-177) and establishes a new, more specific offense of bestiality in North Carolina. The bill makes several technical amendments to remove references to the old crime against nature statute in various sections of state law, including provisions related to juvenile protection, criminal offenses, and professional educator licensing. The new bestiality offense is defined as performing or submitting to any sexual act with an animal that involves the sex organs of both parties, and it is classified as a Class I felony. The law will become effective on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This change appears to be a legislative effort to update and clarify language around sexual offenses, replacing a broadly worded statute with a more precisely defined criminal offense that specifically addresses sexual interactions with animals.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S274